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Symbiotic Living Ink
GROWinK harnesses the natural symbiosis between fungi and bacteria to develop a unique living ink system. Fungi provide vibrant, natural pigments derived from their growth stages—spores, mycelium, and fruiting bodies—replacing harmful petroleum-based dyes with eco-friendly colors. Embedded within these inks are dormant bacterial spores that activate only under specific conditions such as moisture and warmth, typically found in landfill environments. Once active, these bacteria secrete enzymes that break down synthetic polymers found in textiles and printed materials, accelerating their biodegradation. This living ink not only adds color but also carries the biological machinery to return synthetic waste to the earth, promoting mycoremediation and supporting biodiversity. By mimicking natural cycles of growth and decay, GROWinK’s bio-inks transform static print into a dynamic, regenerative system that bridges design and ecology.
Living Prints
GROWinK challenges traditional notions of print permanence by embracing impermanence as a natural and powerful process. Inspired by the ephemeral cycles found in nature, these living prints are designed to communicate briefly and then gracefully return to the environment. Instead of lasting indefinitely as waste, GROWinK prints evolve over time: the dormant bacteria within them activate under the right conditions, breaking down synthetic polymers and enabling the prints to biodegrade. This shift from static, permanent visuals to transient, living messages reframes print as part of a regenerative life cycle. It encourages designers and users to reconsider their relationship with materials and waste, promoting sustainability through intentional, purposeful impermanence that nurtures the earth rather than polluting it.
