What is BioBlack TX?

A toxic-free and high-performing water-based dispersion containing a proprietary black pigment made from wood waste. It’s 100% bio-based, certified and carbon-negative. Its versatility extends to applications in screen and rotary printing, denim and both leather and non-leather coatings, pigment dyeing, package printing, paint applications and more.

What does bio-based mean?

Bio-based products are those “derived from raw materials, such as plants, and other renewable agricultural, marine, and forestry materials,” as petroleum. Source

Is BioBlack TX a ready-to-use ink?

No, it is not. BioBlack TX is a pigment colorant on its own and requires the incorporation of a binder, fixing agent, and other auxiliary components typically found in clear printing pastes or clear coating formulations. To meet performance standards, BioBlack TX must be blended into a standard printing or coating formula.

How does BioBlack TX perform?

BioBlack TX outperforms traditional carbon black in several ways. It boasts the highest possible lightfastness rating of 8/8, which means it does not fade or alter in color over time, making it ideal for creating enduring clothing and textiles. BioBlack TX delivers a true solid black with a blue undertone.

What certifications does BioBlack TX hold?

BioBlack TX has earned several certifications, including FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council), OEKO-TEX® ECO PASSPORT, and USDA BioPreferred (certified as 100% bio-based). Additionally, it is featured on the ZDHC (Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals) Gateway 3.0 at Level 1 compliance. Furthermore, rigorous third-party laboratory tests have confirmed the non- detected Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and a VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) content of less than 0.1% in BioBlack TX, which also meets EN 71-3 testing standards.

What does “FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council) certified” mean?

This certification ensures that the wood waste originates exclusively from responsibly managed and certified forests. These forests are dedicated to delivering environmental, social, and economic advantages. The FSC Principles and Criteria, which underpin all global forest management standards, including the FSC US National Standard, serve as the guiding framework for this responsible forestry practice.

How should BioBlack TX be utilized for printing on textile?

To optimize the use of BioBlack TX, we suggest incorporating it into your clear screen printing paste or coatings formulation at a proportion ranging from 5% to 7%. Depending on specific applications, such as leather/non-leather and denim, the required amount of BioBlack TX may vary. We recommend conducting a ladder study to ascertain the precise percentage of BioBlack TX needed in your formula to achieve the desired coloration.

Is special equipment required?

No, BioBlack TX seamlessly works with your existing equipment and water- based formulas.

What is the current production capacity?

Thanks to the recent installation of new equipment, our production capacity for BioBlack TX has surged to a maximum of 70 tonnes per month. BioBlack TX is exclusively manufactured in our USA-based facilities.

Which components of wood are employed in the production of the BioBlack TX pigment?

In our manufacturing process, we source pre-consumer industrial waste from various wood-related sectors, including lumber, paper, furniture, and flooring industries. We specifically select the remnants and portions unsuitable for other applications, such as branches and bark, to create the BioBlack TX pigment.

Is the wood waste incinerated?

No, there is no incineration of the wood waste, and no chemicals are introduced during the manufacturing process. The sole by-product generated is steam, which is harnessed and utilized to power various aspects of the production facility. The production of BioBlack TX follows a closed-loop, circular manufacturing system.

Why use wood waste?

Wood waste is globally abundant, and in the United States alone, approximately 50 million tonnes of wood waste were produced in 2020 (Israt Jahan et al., 2022). When trees are harvested, this not only interrupts carbon absorption but also results in the release of carbon stored within the trees into the atmosphere as CO2, whether through burning or natural decomposition. Rather than resorting to burning, which emits CO2, or allowing it to decompose and release CO2, we have developed a proprietary process to convert wood waste into a black pigment, thus repurposing this resource sustainably.

Why black?

Black is omnipresent; it stands as the quintessential color in the realm of fashion and many other industries. Moreover, its appeal is timeless, as it literally never falls out of fashion.

Is BioBlack TX exclusively black?

Currently, yes. Nonetheless, we encourage you to explore your creative horizons and view it as a platform for innovation. BioBlack TX can be employed either independently or in conjunction with other natural and traditional dyes, offering a canvas to craft entirely new hues and shades.

What's the price of BioBalck TX?

BioBlack TX is competitively priced, aligning with the cost of conventional, toxic, petroleum-based carbon black.

What’s the issue with petroleum-based carbon black?

Carbon black is pervasive, imparting black color to a wide array of products, including ink in pens, phone cases, food packaging, clothing, furniture, and beyond. The problem lies in the century-old unchanged process of producing conventional carbon black, which relies on fossil fuels. This renders it non- renewable, hazardous to human health (as it contains carcinogenic compounds known as PAHs), and detrimental to the environment (with manufacturing contributing to the emission of millions of tons of CO2).

Is BioBlack TX a substitute for carbon black?

BioBlack TX serves as a one-to-one replacement for carbon black, offering superior performance.