Future looks green for dye company

TEXTILE dye manufacturer Town End has developed a unique product to target new markets despite tough times for the textile trade.

The Leeds-based firm has developed the environmentally friendly ‘Dyofix’ range of algae inhibitors – lake and pond dyes that eliminate the build up of algae and improve the quality of water for wildlife.

Town End’s diversification into supplying its unique lake and water dyes started a few years ago when it supplied Kew Gardens with bulk orders of its safe food dyes to colour the lakes.

Following successful testing by the gardeners at Kew, the company invested in developing a range of blue and black dyes especially for the horticultural sector.

When the blue and black dyes are added to bodies of water, the change in colour -hardly noticeable to the human eye –  filters the UV rays that fuel the build up of green algae and weeds.

As well as turning water green, algae can be very harmful to fish and other wildlife and creates unsightly scum.

Peter Watson, production director at Town End, said: “The simple fact is that the very same dye types we manufacture for textiles and fabrics can be used completely safely in the countryside as they are based on organic food dyes that have been tested to the highest levels.

“We started supplying Kew initially but we have since developed a range of products that can be tailored to individual requirements of country estates, commercial fishing lakes, municipal parks, golf clubs and even private gardens.”

Now angling clubs are seeing things more clearly after using the product.

Leeds & District Amalgamated Society of Anglers is currently treating the Knotford Lagoon in Otley with the dye.

Coun Andrew Carter, leader of Leeds City Council, said: “This is a great example of how manufacturers are responding to a tough economic climate and changing markets by diversifying and finding new markets for their existing products. There’s great potential for the Dyofix product across a range of sectors, promising a prosperous future for this long-standing Leeds company.”

This year the company looks set to triple the turnover of its algae inhibitor, as legislation surrounding the management of water bodies and environmental concerns about chemical alternatives are creating a wave of interest in the firm’s products.