New technology extracts sustainable dye from avocado stones

Global avocado producer Westfalia Fruit has partnered with Efficiency Technologies and dyeworks company Sages London to extract a natural, sustainable dye from avocado stones.

Perseorangin, a natural pigment, is extracted from avocado stones collected at Westfalia’s UK facility and processed into a dried powder, according to a news release. The pigment produces eight shades, from light yellow to rich reddish-brown.

“This breakthrough represents a significant step in our journey toward our total crop use strategy,” Andrew Mitchell, Westfalia Fruit head of group innovation, said in the release. “By transforming what was once considered byproduct into a valuable resource, we’re creating sustainable solutions that benefit multiple industries.

“The ability to produce eight distinct natural shades while maintaining our commitment to use the entire fruit demonstrates the potential of innovative thinking in sustainable agriculture.”

Remaining materials from avocado skins and stones are processed into products including starches used in paper packaging production and natural exfoliants in cosmetics, according to the release.

The pigment has been showcased at London Fashion Week and is the subject of ongoing collaborations with packaging and cosmetics companies, according to the release.

Plans are underway to facilitate the technology’s expansion to additional Westfalia facilities in Europe.

Last month, Westfalia acquired Belgian-based avocado products manufacturer Syros.