When a historic plant meets innovation in materials
Known for centuries for its natural blue pigment, woad (Isatis tinctoria) has long been a source of wealth for several French regions, including Normandy. Today, this iconic plant is back in the spotlight thanks to the company Blue&Pastel, which aims to develop new ways to make the most of this plant-based resource.
While pastel seeds are used to produce oil for various applications—particularly in cosmetics—the leaves are used to obtain a natural pigment. Already used in the textile industry, this dye is also of interest to the plastics industry. Blue&Pastel is therefore working to develop a variety of market opportunities in order to fully harness the potential of this plant-based resource.
This approach is part of a circular economy strategy aimed at making use of the various parts of the plant and developing innovative applications based on renewable resources.
Making the Most of Every Part of the Plant
Led by the company Blue & Pastel, the project is part of a broader initiative aimed at reviving the French woad industry. The company has developed an industrial extraction process that produces a natural blue pigment and a vegetable oil from this historic crop.
The role of NaturePlast
As part of this collaboration with Blue&Pastel, NaturePlast is leveraging its expertise in the integration of pigments for various applications. The polymer matrices being tested are biobased: they are produced from plant biomass. It therefore makes sense to incorporate plant-based pigments, particularly to achieve the desired colors.
The work being carried out includes, in particular:
- To study the incorporation of the pigment into various polymer matrices by varying the loading levels to adjust the final appearance;
- Develop biobased formulations that incorporate this resource;
- Evaluate the mechanical, aesthetic, and processing properties of the resulting materials;
- Identify the most relevant industrial applications.
Incorporating plant-based fillers into plastics makes it possible to develop unique materials while increasing their biobased content. This type of pigment can also provide the textural, color, or appearance effects sought after in many industries.
Even today, natural pigments are still rarely used in the plastics industry. Through projects like this, NaturePlast is helping to explore new alternatives and making their use more widespread in practical industrial applications.
This approach is fully in line with the current challenges of the bioeconomy, which aims to gradually replace fossil resources with renewable resources while optimizing the use of available biomass.
Building a Local and Sustainable Supply Chain
Beyond technical developments, Blue&Pastel is helping to build a French industry centered on dyer’s woad. This plant, once emblematic of the nation’s agricultural heritage, is now regaining a foothold in various regions thanks to new industrial opportunities.
By combining agricultural production, the extraction of natural resources, and the development of innovative materials, the project demonstrates that it is possible to create value locally while addressing current environmental challenges.
Through its participation and expertise, NaturePlast continues to demonstrate its commitment to biobased innovation.