Tinto di Blu aims to breathe new life into the production of natural dyes. Based in the agricultural heart of Castelguglielmo in Italy, the project brings together agronomists, researchers, artisans and textile students, supported by hydroelectric energy supplier Repower, to investigate ways of growing the indigo pigment. Through agrivoltaics, the dual use of land for solar energy and agriculture, the discovery was made that dye herbs, specifically persicaria, thrive in the shade beneath solar panels. This finding has opened up new understandings of how renewable energy can intersect with material-making for the fashion industry.

From harvesting the leaves to soaking the fabrics, the project harnesses persicaria to naturally obtain indigo in a testament to working in harmony with nature. Persicaria has been used in Japan to dye clothes since the Edo period, from the early 17th century to the mid 19th century. Today, the multidisciplinary team at Tinto di Blu creates textile prototypes and experimental collections using consciously grown, natural indigo from this innovative new space.