ECHIRO
Biomaterial Research — Sea Urchin Pigments & Sustainable Textile DyeingECHIRO is a research project developed through a collaboration between Atelier Sumbiosis and the Laboratory of Condensed Matter Chemistry at Sorbonne University, exploring the potential of marine resources as a new source of sustainable textile colour.
Initiated in 2015 by CNRS researcher Marie Albéric, the scientific research focuses on extracting natural pigments from sea urchin shells and spines, transforming an underutilised biological resource into innovative dyes for textile applications.
With Japan among the world's leading consumers of sea urchins, ECHIRO explores the potential of this abundant marine by-product, combining ancestral Japanese textile dyeing techniques with advanced research in molecular biochemistry.
Developed further during a residency at Villa Kujoyama in Kyoto, the project investigates new approaches to textile embellishment, bringing together scientific innovation, traditional craftsmanship and circular material practices.
By transforming discarded marine matter into a valuable source of colour, ECHIRO questions our relationship with natural resources and explores how exceptional craftsmanship can inspire more sustainable approaches to textile production.
The name ECHIRO combines Echino, derived from the Latin word for sea urchin spine, and Iro (色), the Japanese word for colour.
Research collaboration: Marie Albéric — CNRS / Sorbonne University
Residency: Villa Kujoyama, Kyoto
Partners: Institut français × Fondation Bettencourt Schueller
Presentation: Textile Futuroscope — Expo 2025 Osaka, Japan