Innovation

Unlike the traditional method of embroidery, which utilizes multiple colored thread cones, Coloreel’s unique technology instantly dyes a single 100% recycled polyester thread for on-demand embroidery. Their innovation can be mounted on any modern single-head or multi-head embroidery machine. By instantly dyeing a single thread instead of multiple pre-colored threads, Coloreel’s operations reduce water usage and prevent water pollution, contributing to a more sustainable solution for both manufacturers and end consumers.

In general, the textile industry is seen to have a substantial negative impact on the environment; in fact, textile production is estimated to account for around 20% of global clean water pollution from dyeing and finishing products (EU Parliament, 2022). Coloreel’s innovation is exactly what is needed for the industry to move towards a more sustainable future, as it promotes sustainable production and consumption and less waste and water usage. Coloreel’s vision is to provide embroidery manufacturers opting for increased quality and efficiency. In the future, however, Coloreel’s technology is intended to be applied to the sewing, weaving, and knitting industry.

Inspiration

Coloreel's founder Joakim Staberg has been described as "inspiring to work with." He had an idea: "removing the huge stocks of threads needed in the embroidery process, which contribute to water pollution and waste but are also a very time-consuming aspect of the process." Staberg soon founded Coloreel Group AB and, after many years of hard work, landed on a finished product. Today, Coloreel is expanding its business worldwide and aiming to make embroidery more flexible, accessible, and sustainable for the textile industry.

Overall impact

One benefit of utilizing the innovation is the prolonged lifespan of the garments. By using the technology provided by Coloreel, the partner enterprises can manufacture unique pieces of clothing. The innovation offers a “longer lifespan for the garments by creating something unique and not easily replaceable.” Adding a distinct characteristic to the clothing will be used for a more extended period than usual—studies done by Coloreel support this concept.

Another notable factor is spreading the notion of sustainability in an industry that can certainly make use of it. The clothes and fashion industry is responsible for a lot of environmental damage in many different areas, especially in the production countries such as China, Bangladesh, and India. Although the situation is improving in many aspects, there is still room for development. Coloreel’s innovation is pioneering some of that development through waterless thread coloring in the embroidery industry. The universal need for companies whose focus is sustainability is higher than ever.

Business benefit

Coloreel’s primary business operations are based on the innovation that they have created. A crucial upgrade is the addition of Coloreel Studio. Coloreel Studio is free software that adds colors and unique Coloreel effects to create stunning embroideries and designs.

Introducing the Coloreel Studio and the innovation is a genuine way of expanding the business. The opportunities that are provided by the software are broadening horizons for Coloreel. It raises awareness in relevant fields and makes the value chain more connected and synergic.

A crucial aspect is also that the innovation raised the awareness of investors. Investors such as Nefco, a green bank, demonstrated their belief in Coloreel by committing funds. The scalability of the invention and the adherence to the core values and sustainability feigned the interest of companies operating outside of Europe, which is now the primary market for Coloreel. Europe, Asian, and South American entities are the main target markets for expansion. They have exhibited signs of high interest in the product and the connecting activities. All are exciting possibilities for opening new markets!

Social and environmental benefit

Coloreel’s innovation promotes more sustainable consumption patterns by allowing clothing customization. End-users (those who use the embroidered products) attach more personal value to the items and therefore end up using them for an extended period and withstanding rapidly changing trends.

As the device is compatible with any industrial embroidery machine, it presents a one-time investment that allows entrepreneurs to start or boost by enabling fast, highly customizable, and on-demand embroidery. In addition, it also allows for a better work environment for workers as the threads used are safe, as proven by the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 Class I certificate. Moreover, by only using one line, workers will only need to thread the machines once instead of once for every single color.

Due to the infinite possibilities for customization in terms of color, embroidery producers do not need to ship and store multiple colored cones of thread where a part is often never used and ends up as waste. Now they only need to order as much as they need, and with the help of the actual color-matching function of the device (matching the thread color to the garment color), there is no need to ship samples of thread colors to producers. This allows for a much more efficient and time-saving production.

Interview

Alicia Vara, Marketing Manager