Austria—As part of our commitment to the Tri Dharma of Higher Education—education, research, and community service—TRG Postharvest Metabo-Engineering organized a collaborative activity entitled “Natural Pigment Extraction Practicum with Art School Students.” The activity was conducted on 16 April 2026 at the Institute of Chemical, Environmental and Bioscience Engineering, Technology University of Vienna (TU Wien), Austria. This program served as a collaborative learning platform that integrated scientific approaches, laboratory practice, and industrial applications through hands-on experience in extracting natural pigments from various plant-based materials.
   The activity was designed to encourage interdisciplinary learning through practical sessions focused on extracting natural color pigments from diverse natural resources. The program involved students, textile industry representatives, and experienced practitioners working in the development of natural dyes. Through this collaborative approach, participants gained a broader understanding of extraction principles, pigment characteristics, and the opportunities for developing natural colorants as more sustainable alternatives for future applications.
   The program involved 5–10 participants, consisting of 5–10 students from Art School, who actively engaged in laboratory sessions, scientific discussions, and collaborative experimentation. The activity was carried out through international partnership and academic supervision from Prof. Heidi Halbwirth, whose expertise in plant-derived compounds and extraction technologies enriched the participants’ learning experience and strengthened knowledge exchange among all stakeholders.
During the practicum, participants explored the complete process of natural pigment extraction, beginning with raw material selection, sample preparation, extraction procedures, observation of color changes, and evaluation of extracted pigment characteristics for potential future development. Beyond technical understanding, the activity encouraged participants to recognize the importance of utilizing natural resources more efficiently and responsibly while supporting innovation in sustainable material development.
One of the key values of this activity was the opportunity to connect scientific knowledge with practical implementation. Through direct interaction with practitioners and industry representatives, participants experienced how laboratory-based approaches can contribute to developing environmentally responsible alternatives to conventional synthetic colorants. The collaborative environment also encouraged active discussion, exchange of perspectives, and the generation of innovative ideas across disciplines.
This activity also reflected a strong commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through capacity building and innovation that may contribute to future sustainable economic opportunities, the program supported SDG 1: No Poverty. By providing an inclusive and practice-based learning environment, the activity contributed to SDG 4: Quality Education. Most importantly, the collaboration represented SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, demonstrating how international academic institutions, industrial stakeholders, and practitioners can work together to accelerate sustainable innovation through education and knowledge exchange.
Overall, this practicum became more than a laboratory learning activity, it became a collaborative initiative that strengthened participants’ competencies and created opportunities for the future development of sustainable natural pigment innovation.
