At von Holzhausen, we like to color outside of the lines. While others settle for the usual, we look for opportunities to do something different.
Enter: actual color. The materials world has long relied on synthetic hues brewed from a cocktail of chemicals like coal tar, petroleum, and other ingredients you wouldn’t want to touch with a ten-foot paintbrush. Bold? Maybe. Beautiful? Debatable. Sustainable? Not a chance.
We wanted our plastic alternative, Liquidplant®, to have vibrant, rich color without relying on fossil fuels. Because, well, what good is a plant-based plastic if it’s coated in petroleum-derived pigments? So we turned to our brilliant innovation team to figure out how to make it happen.
Curious to hear how it all came together? Read on.
First things first, can you tell us why synthetic pigments are bad for the earth?
“Synthetic pigments/dyes are typically non-biodegradable. They persist in the environment, contributing to long-term pollution. Some synthetic pigments/dyes are toxic and even carcinogenic.” — vH Director of Innovation
Why was it important for von Holzhausen to offer plant-based color?
“To show our holistic approach to Liquidplant—not only do we use plant-based inputs to achieve mechanical and chemical properties, but we also harness the power of nature to meet design and aesthetic goals.” — vH Material Scientist
How did the team approach creating vibrant color, without using petrochemicals?
“As always, we looked to nature for the answer. Minerals can come in a surprising variety of colors, and the source of the colors can be surprising. For example, rubies and sapphires are almost identical chemically except for differences in trace metal ions. Very small amounts of chromium are what give rubies their red color whereas sapphires are blue because of iron and titanium. Are we using rubies and sapphires in Liquidplant? That’s a secret!” — vH Senior Polymer Chemist
How do natural pigments compare to synthetic ones in terms of durability and vibrancy?
“Natural pigments are typically metal oxides. They appear dull in color as compared to the sharp color of synthetic pigments. They have extremely good durability compared to synthetic pigments which can be photo-bleached over time.” — vH Director of Innovation
What excites you most about using plant-based pigments in Liquidplant?
“I like the ethos of being continually inspired by nature. I learned about so many natural sources of pigment that I hadn’t ever encountered prior to this project, and I’m excited to share that with the world via Liquidplant.” — vH Material Scientist
Lastly, we must know, what’s your favorite color?
“Meadow” — vH Senior Polymer Chemist
“Tidal” — vH Director of Innovation
“Bloom” — vH Material Scientist
