Kevin Bratcher, President at Nature Coatings, discusses the future of sustainable pigments with TEXtalks, shedding light on BioBlack, an eco-innovative black pigment made from wood waste that is non-toxic, carbon-negative, and a direct alternative to petroleum-based carbon black. Nature Coatings is an innovative U.S.-based company focused on replacing harmful and fossil-based colorants with sustainable, high-performance alternatives. Their flagship product, BioBlack, is gaining attention in the textile and coatings industries for its ability to significantly reduce environmental impact while delivering consistent and scalable results.
TEXtalks: Can you explain how BioBlack is different and sustainable from traditional dyes in the market?
Kevin Bratcher: BioBlack is a new, innovative pigment made from wood waste, not petroleum. That’s what makes it fundamentally different. It’s sustainable because it’s carbon-negative and completely free from the toxic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) typically found in traditional petroleum-based pigments.
TEXtalks: How does Nature Coatings help companies reduce their carbon footprints through the use of BioBlack?
Kevin Bratcher: BioBlack being carbon negative means that for every one metric ton used, two metric tons of carbon are removed from the atmosphere. In comparison, petroleum-based carbon black releases about three metric tons of carbon. So switching from conventional pigments to BioBlack creates a net benefit of around five metric tons of carbon per ton of pigment used.
TEXtalks: How do you see the future of BioBlack evolving in the next 5 to 10 years?
Kevin Bratcher: I see BioBlack becoming a go-to solution for brands and manufacturers looking for sustainable options. More companies are focusing on creating cleaner, non-toxic products—for both workers and consumers. As sustainability becomes a central priority, we expect demand for alternatives like BioBlack to rise significantly.
TEXtalks: What are the key challenges and opportunities for promoting BioBlack in developing markets like Pakistan?
Kevin Bratcher: Introducing a new product is always a challenge—especially when it’s priced higher or requires changes in processes. But the opportunity is massive.
Thankfully, BioBlack is only priced slightly higher than the current market offerings and does not require any processing changes. Sustainability is no longer a trend; it’s a global necessity. Pakistan produces goods for international markets, where sustainable materials are becoming standard. This gives BioBlack a real opportunity to grow here.
TEXtalks: How has the response been from the visitors at IGATEX?
Kevin Bratcher: It’s been great so far. We’ve had a lot of productive meetings, and the booth setup by iTextiles R has been excellent. The feedback from visitors has been very positive, and there’s genuine interest in what we’re doing.
