Member Spotlight: Dr Nat Crompton, Global Colourist 2025 Winner

Member Spotlight: Dr Nat Crompton, Global Colourist 2025 Winner 

Continuing our series celebrating the achievements of our members, we spoke with Dr Nat Crompton, part of the SDC’s Future Colourists Collective (FCC) and winner of the Global Colourist 2025 competition, to find out what’s next for his company, SwitchDye, and his ongoing involvement with the SDC six months on from receiving his accolade. 

What does being an SDC member mean for you? 

Being an SDC member is about being connected to the entire industry. It brings together everyone from start-ups like SwitchDye through to universities and established organisations within the textile industry, creating a space where knowledge and ideas can be shared openly. 

It’s not just about textiles either. The society spans all industries involved in colour, which makes it incredibly valuable. That breadth gives you access to different perspectives and expertise, helping you grow your network while staying close to the latest developments across the sector. 

Where do you see the industry heading? (We talk a lot about sustainability but what’s actually happening?

We’re moving beyond sustainability as a buzzword, now more people are routinely asking to be shown the data. There’s still a long way to go, but expectations have shifted significantly. Brands and regulators are more informed and more confident in challenging claims, which ultimately helps focus efforts on solutions that genuinely work rather than wasting time on those that don’t. 

At SwitchDye, our approach reflects that shift. We believe less is more by simplifying the dyeing process and reducing complexity in the dyebath. By refining the chemistry, we’ve been able to create a simpler process that offers better control, supported by robust data. 

Our goal is to challenge conventional disperse dyeing by providing a viable commercial alternative. It’s not enough to create something that looks good or feels innovative; it has to deliver real, measurable impact. 

What advice would you give to our next Global Colourist?  

Don’t be afraid to break a few eggs and try something new. There’s often an assumption that the ‘simple’ ideas have already been explored in textiles, but that’s not always the case. Sometimes processes continue simply because they always have, rather than because they’re the best solution. 

If you’re in academia, make the effort to visit a dyehouse and experience the reality of industry; it’s vastly different from a lab environment! The earlier you start thinking about how your work translates into industry, the better prepared you’ll be. 

And when you do get into that environment, ask questions. People are far more open and willing to help than you might expect and they’re not as grumpy as their reputations suggest! 

What do you consider to be the key traits of a colourist?  

Curiosity is essential. Colour is a complex and fascinating field, and one of the most rewarding aspects is understanding why things behave the way they do. The physics behind it is incredibly interesting, and there’s still so much we don’t fully understand. 

You also need genuine passion; it’s what drives you to keep exploring and improving. At the same time, having a thick skin helps, as challenges and setbacks are part of the process. 

Perhaps most importantly, being a colourist means being a collaborator. It’s such a varied industry, and progress depends on working with others across disciplines and sectors. 

What are your key professional highlights over the last 6-12 months?

Winning the SDC Global Colourist Award was a real milestone and the first time I truly felt recognised for my work, which meant a lot. 

Being featured on BBC Look North was another highlight. Explaining SwitchDye and communicating its environmental benefits to a general audience pushed me to think differently about how we present our work. 

We’ve also seen strong backing from industry, including recent investment from John Hogg, which reinforces confidence in what we’re building. After more than eight years of research, we’re now taking SwitchDye from the lab into industry, which feels like a real full-circle moment. 

With our first industrial trial taking place this month, reaching this stage feels like hitting a summit, but there’s still plenty more to come!