DYEING & PRINTING

Color, confirmed on the fabric itself.

Dyeability and colorfastness, shade and product form. We show the data obtained on real fabric exactly as it stands.

PERFORMANCE

Dyeability confirmed on real fabric.

Cotton, silk and cashmere were dyed with plant, chemical and bio indigo and compared. The catalogue records comparable performance in colorfastness to laundering, light, rubbing and perspiration.

Test photograph

Photograph of nine fabric swatches. From the left: cotton, silk and cashmere dyed with plant indigo (#1–#3), then chemical indigo (#4–#6), then bio indigo (#7–#9). — Catalog p.6 Figure 3-1.

Plant indigo
- #1Cotton
- #2Silk
- #3Cashmere
Chemical indigo
- #4Cotton
- #5Silk
- #6Cashmere
Bio indigo
- #7Cotton
- #8Silk
- #9Cashmere

PERFORMANCE

Colorfastness test results

These tables reproduce catalogue p.6 Tables 3-1 to 3-4 as they appear. Grades keep the ranking notation of the source (for example 4-5) and have not been converted into decimals.

Plant indigo: #1 Cotton#2 Silk#3 Cashmere
Chemical indigo: #4 Cotton#5 Silk#6 Cashmere
Bio indigo: #7 Cotton#8 Silk#9 Cashmere

3-1

Colorfastness to laundering

Test methodKS K ISO 105-C06:2010, A2S

Table 3-1. Colorfastness to laundering test results (samples #1–#9) — Test method KS K ISO 105-C06:2010, A2S
Test item		Plant indigo			Chemical indigo			Bio indigo
Test item		Sample #1	Sample #2	Sample #3	Sample #4	Sample #5	Sample #6	Sample #7	Sample #8	Sample #9
Color change	Color change	4-5	3-4	4-5	4-5	4	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5
Staining	Acetate	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4
	Cotton	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5
	Nylon	4-5	4-5	4	4-5	4-5	4	4	4	3-4
	Polyester	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5
	Acrylic	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5
	Wool	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5

3-2

Colorfastness to light

Test methodKS K ISO 105-B02:2014, Exposure Cycle A1, Method 5

Table 3-2. Colorfastness to light test results (samples #1–#9) — Test method KS K ISO 105-B02:2014, Exposure Cycle A1, Method 5
Test item	Plant indigo			Chemical indigo			Bio indigo
Test item	Sample #1	Sample #2	Sample #3	Sample #4	Sample #5	Sample #6	Sample #7	Sample #8	Sample #9
Color change	4	4-5	4-5	4	4	4-5	4	4-5	4-5

3-3

Colorfastness to rubbing

Test methodKS K ISO 105-X12:2016

Table 3-3. Colorfastness to rubbing test results (samples #1–#9, warp and weft) — Test method KS K ISO 105-X12:2016
Test item		Plant indigo						Chemical indigo						Bio indigo
		Sample #1		Sample #2		Sample #3		Sample #4		Sample #5		Sample #6		Sample #7		Sample #8		Sample #9
		Warp	Weft	Warp	Weft	Warp	Weft	Warp	Weft	Warp	Weft	Warp	Weft	Warp	Weft	Warp	Weft	Warp	Weft
Staining	Dry	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	3-4	3-4	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	1	2	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	2	2-3
Staining	Wet	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	3-4	3-4	4	4-5	4	4-5	3	3	4	4	4	3-4	3	3-4

3-4

Colorfastness to perspiration

Test methodKS K ISO 105-E04:2013

Table 3-4. Colorfastness to perspiration test results (samples #1–#9, acid and alkaline) — Test method KS K ISO 105-E04:2013
Test item		Plant indigo						Chemical indigo						Bio indigo
		Sample #1		Sample #2		Sample #3		Sample #4		Sample #5		Sample #6		Sample #7		Sample #8		Sample #9
		Acid	Alkaline	Acid	Alkaline	Acid	Alkaline	Acid	Alkaline	Acid	Alkaline	Acid	Alkaline	Acid	Alkaline	Acid	Alkaline	Acid	Alkaline
Color change	Color change	4-5	4-5	4	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4	3	4-5	4-5
Staining	Acetate	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5
	Cotton	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5
	Nylon	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5
	Polyester	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5
	Acrylic	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5
	Wool	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5	4-5

The grade is a ranking value between 1 (low) and 5 (high), with ‘4-5’ indicating a range between the two grades, as per the original text. Grades recorded below 4 are highlighted in bold in the table.

This does not mean superiority in every category. Lower grades are also recorded for some colorfastness to rubbing items, and they appear in the tables exactly as recorded.

Original image of colorfastness Tables 3-1 to 3-4 on catalogue p.6

Test photograph

Additional fabric evaluation case

This is a separate dyeing evaluation photo stored in the repository. The value below is exactly as printed on the original Japanese label, with ‘合成’ meaning synthesis.

Dyeing cycles: 4回 · 6回 · 8回
Categories: バイオ②-1 / 合成 / バイオ②-2

Photograph comparing fabrics dyed with バイオ②-1, 合成 and バイオ②-2 under 4, 6 and 8 dyeing cycles

The testing institute, test method, test date and client are not confirmed, so this is shown separately from the tests on catalogue p.6. It is different material from samples #1–#9 in the table above.

SHADE LIBRARY

Your brand. Your blue.

Shade depth changes with dye concentration and the number of dyeing cycles. Adjusting the ratio of indigo to indirubin makes it possible to create a shade that belongs to your brand alone.

Catalogue swatches by concentration

The catalogue does not give concentration values for the individual swatches, so they are identified by position (A1–B6).

Catalogue figure

Row A

Dyed swatch A1 by concentration from catalogue p.7 Figure 4-1 — A1

Dyed swatch A2 by concentration from catalogue p.7 Figure 4-1 — A2

Dyed swatch A3 by concentration from catalogue p.7 Figure 4-1 — A3

Dyed swatch A4 by concentration from catalogue p.7 Figure 4-1 — A4

Dyed swatch A5 by concentration from catalogue p.7 Figure 4-1 — A5

Dyed swatch A6 by concentration from catalogue p.7 Figure 4-1 — A6

Row B

Dyed swatch B1 by concentration from catalogue p.7 Figure 4-1 — B1

Dyed swatch B2 by concentration from catalogue p.7 Figure 4-1 — B2

Dyed swatch B3 by concentration from catalogue p.7 Figure 4-1 — B3

Dyed swatch B4 by concentration from catalogue p.7 Figure 4-1 — B4

Dyed swatch B5 by concentration from catalogue p.7 Figure 4-1 — B5

Dyed swatch B6 by concentration from catalogue p.7 Figure 4-1 — B6

LowHigh

Blugene concentration

How indirubin shifts the shade

Indirubin is the red isomer of indigo. Adjusting the composition of indigo and indirubin produced by microbial fermentation makes it possible to create a blue that is unique to your brand.

Photograph of denim fabric dyed with 100% indigo (catalogue p.7 Figure 4-2) — Indigo 100%

Photograph of denim fabric dyed with 94% indigo and 6% indirubin (catalogue p.7 Figure 4-2) — Indigo 94%, indirubin 6%

These are photographs of the two compositions presented in the catalogue. Mixing ratios in between are not provided, so we do not generate those colors on screen.

Actual color may differ depending on the screen, the fabric and the dyeing conditions. Please confirm with a fabric sample.

The pharmacological activity of indirubin is not covered on this site. We describe it only from the perspective of shade control and product development.

PRODUCT FORMS

Two forms: powder and printing ink.

Indigo made by microbial fermentation is supplied as a powder for fabric dyeing and as an ink for digital printing.

Deep blue bio indigo powder in a dish (catalogue p.9)

Blugene Indigo Powder

Catalogue p.8

Cotton, silk, and cashmere dyeing evaluation data are included in the catalog.

CAS: 482-89-3

The product names above are the web-facing names of the new brand. In the catalogue and the certificates the original product name is “Bio Indigo Dye Powder (Microbial Fermentation) / CB Bio Indigo Dye Powder”.

Blugene Digital Printing Ink

Catalogue p.9

A bio indigo ink for digital printing. We are glad to discuss applications and samples with you.

The product names above are the web-facing names of the new brand. In the catalogue and the certificates the original product name is “BioIndigo Digital Printing Ink”.

Particle size, viscosity, shelf life, minimum order quantity, production capacity and pricing are not in the supplied material and are therefore not shown. Please contact us and we will confirm the specifications you need.

Color development by number of dyeing cycles

Test photograph

A three-row, four-column comparison plate. The rows are chemical indigo powder, bio indigo powder and bio indigo digital printing ink; the columns are 1 to 4 dyeing cycles.

For this example the catalogue records color strength as “digital printing ink > chemical indigo ≈ bio indigo powder”. The shade depth in the photograph has not been converted into K/S values or ΔE color difference measurements, and it does not imply superior performance under all conditions.

Request product information

A three-row, four-column comparison plate. The rows are chemical indigo powder, bio indigo powder and bio indigo digital printing ink; the columns are 1 to 4 dyeing cycles. — Catalogue p.8 Figure 5-1. A comparison of cotton fabric dyed 1 to 4 times with chemical indigo (powder), bio indigo (powder) and bio indigo (digital printing ink).

PRINTED IN BLUE

Printing widens what color can say.

Digital printing places color exactly where it is needed and renders intricate patterns. Here are results printed with bio indigo ink, shown alongside the original images.

Original image
Original image 1 used for digital printing (catalogue p.9 Figure 6-2)
Photographs from the supplied catalogue, resized for the web without any color correction.
Printed with bio indigo ink
The same image 1 digitally printed with bio indigo ink (catalogue p.9 Figure 6-2)
Photographs from the supplied catalogue, resized for the web without any color correction.
Original image
Original image 2 used for digital printing (catalogue p.9 Figure 6-2)
Photographs from the supplied catalogue, resized for the web without any color correction.
Printed with bio indigo ink
The same image 2 digitally printed with bio indigo ink (catalogue p.9 Figure 6-2)
Photographs from the supplied catalogue, resized for the web without any color correction.

These are not photos showing performance improvement before and after product use, and the information of the original creator, customer, or supplier is not provided in the materials.

Ink manufacturing flow

The stages shown in catalogue p.9 Figure 6-1. The original labels are given alongside.

Raw Material Preparation
Raw Material Preparation
The bio indigo powder and auxiliary materials are weighed out and prepared.
Premixing
Premixing
The materials are pre-mixed with the dispersion medium.
Milling
Milling
The particles are ground and dispersed uniformly.
Filtration
Filtration
Residual particles are filtered out to bring the ink to a state suited to printing.
Formation
Formation
The ink is adjusted into its final form. (Original catalogue label: Formation)

Diagram of the ink manufacturing flow from raw material preparation through premixing, milling and filtration to formation (catalogue p.9)

The final stage in the catalogue is written as “Formation”. We keep the original wording rather than replacing it with a settled process term. This is not a disclosure of the exact production recipe.

Characteristics of digital printing

High-resolution patterns and color combinations that are difficult to achieve with conventional dyeing become possible.
Color is placed only where it is needed, which also suits small production runs.
Complex designs are easy to reproduce consistently.

Catalogue p.9 mentions ranges for water and waste reduction in digital printing generally, but these were not measured on Blugene products, so no figures are shown on this site.

Request a fabric sample

Color, confirmed on the fabric itself.

Dyeability confirmed on real fabric.

Plant indigo

Chemical indigo

Bio indigo

Colorfastness test results

Colorfastness to laundering

Colorfastness to light

Colorfastness to rubbing

Colorfastness to perspiration

Additional fabric evaluation case

Your brand. Your blue.

Catalogue swatches by concentration

How indirubin shifts the shade

Two forms: powder and printing ink.

Blugene Indigo Powder

Blugene Digital Printing Ink

Color development by number of dyeing cycles

Printing widens what color can say.

Ink manufacturing flow

Raw Material Preparation

Premixing

Milling

Filtration

Formation

Characteristics of digital printing