Dye firm diversifies into healthier life

WHEN Town End (Leeds) first opened for business, the textile industry was in its pomp and the sun never set on the British Empire.

Sadly, environmental protection wasn't at the top of every Victorian industrialist's "things to do" list.

Today innovations linked to the textile trade could help to wipe out algae that kill fish and wildlife.

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Textile dye manufacturer Town End (Leeds) has devised a product that will help it to win new customers by protecting the environment.

The 4m turnover company, which was founded in the 19th Century, has developed the environmentally friendly Dyofix range of algae inhibitors.

These are lake and pond dyes that eliminate the build up of algae and means wildlife can swim in cleaner water.

Its diversification started when it supplied Kew Gardens with bulk orders of its safe food dyes to colour the lakes.

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

When the blue and black dyes are added to water, the change in colour, although hardly noticeable to humans, filters the ultra violet rays that lead to the build up of green algae and weeds.

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

Peter Watson, production director at Town End, said: "The 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.

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"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."

The Leeds & District Amalgamated Society of Anglers are using the product to treat the Knotford Lagoon in Otley, West Yorkshire.

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."

With more environmental legislation on the way, the company hopes to triple sales of its algae inhibitor, showing that Yorkshire firms still know how to innovate their way out of recession.