John Hogg Backs SwitchDye’s CO₂‑Responsive, Drop‑In Dyeing Technology

Strategic equity investment and technical partnership to scale CO₂-responsive dye innovation that cuts energy and water use.

Manchester, UK  23/03/26

A Strategic Investment in SwitchDye

John Hogg Technical Solutions has announced a significant minority equity investment in SwitchDye Limited, a University of Leeds spin‑out. SwitchDye has developed a CO₂‑responsive, drop‑in dyeing system that reduces chemical intensity, energy use and water consumption in dyeing polyester and other synthetic fibres. The partnership will support SwitchDye’s scale‑up and industrial validation across real‑world mill environments.

Professor Nick Plant, Pro-Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation at the University of Leeds, said: “Switchdye’s pioneering approach to polyester dyeing will help to drive a more circular and sustainable textile industry. This is another example of the outstanding talent that exists within our research community and our strength in nurturing and supporting innovation in new technologies.”

Through this partnership, John Hogg will provide technical input, manufacturing and stewardship expertise, and access to customer networks to help SwitchDye move from lab to mill at pace.

Technology and Impact

SwitchDye has redesigned dye chemistry to enable commercial‑scale textile dyeing using carbonated water. Its CO₂‑responsive system drives colour into the fibre while minimising the need for auxiliary chemicals. Tests show it can remove additives that typically account for up to 90% of total chemical mass, without compromising standard performance. The technology is designed as a drop‑in for common dyehouse equipment, allowing mills to keep using existing machinery.

It may also streamline operations by reducing rinse stages and shortening machine time. This in turn lowers resource use versus conventional polyester dyeing, including around 40% less water and meaningful energy savings. And because the process is reversible, colour can be removed more easily at end of life, supporting genuine textile‑to‑textile recycling.

Sam Walton, Chief Technical Officer at John Hogg commented “the partnership with SwitchDye marks the start of an inspiring journey with the potential to improve the future of textile manufacturing for many years to come.”

“At John Hogg, we have always taken pride in understanding our customers’ needs and the evolving demands of the market. Being part of an innovation that delivers a true step forward in sustainable dyeing technology is something we are genuinely excited about. We also see clear alignment between our businesses, with John Hogg’s wider capabilities helping to accelerate SwitchDye’s path to commercialisation”. He added.

For John Hogg, this partnership builds on the 2024 acquisition of Avocet Dye & Chemical Company Limited, reinforcing commitment to sustainable textile chemistry and performance additives.

Harrison Oates, Chief Technology Officer at SwitchDye spoke on the partnership, saying “Partnering with John Hogg gives us the technical expertise and industry reach to move from lab success into consistent, real-world application. Over the coming months, we’ll be working closely with dyehouses and brands to demonstrate how the technology integrates into existing equipment and delivers measurable savings.”

Next Steps

SwitchDye will run a structured pilot with selected dyehouses and brand supply chains over the coming months. The trials will validate performance at mill scale, confirm drop‑in integration with existing equipment, and quantify reductions in auxiliary chemicals, water, energy and cycle time against each mill’s current process. They will also assess colour quality, fastness and reproducibility, and capture operator feedback to inform training and standard operating procedures.

John Hogg will support throughout scale‑up with on‑site technical assistance, process optimization, product stewardship and regulatory guidance, and commercial onboarding where appropriate.

Dyehouses and brands interested in future pilots can register their interest via contact@switchdye.co.uk

About John Hogg

John Hogg is a market leader in fuel marking and speciality chemical technologies, supplying governments and industry for over 40 years across 70+ countries. The company’s Speciality Dyes & Chemicals portfolio spans high‑specification colour solutions for lubricants, greases, textiles and more. Headquartered in Manchester, UK.

About SwitchDye

SwitchDye Limited is a University of Leeds spin‑out pioneering CO₂‑responsive dyeing for polyester and other synthetics. The system is designed to be auxiliary‑free, drop‑in compatible with existing dyehouse equipment, and reversible to support circularity.