Sustainable Doka Practise

Sustainable Doka Practise

The focus of my project was to explore sustainable alternatives for black and white film photography’s chemical processes. Traditional developing and fixing processes in film photography rely on toxic chemicals like hydroquinone and ammonium thiosulfate, and their disposal poses a major ecological risk. Growing up in Naples, where toxic waste dumping is a critical issue, I felt compelled to seek alternatives that wouldn’t contribute further to environmental harm. During my Tech Fellowship at Rijksakademie, I researched and developed new techniques that replace hazardous chemicals with natural and biodegradable substitutes. I identified ascorbic acid (vitamin C) as a safe developing agent and formulated an eco-friendly developer with sodium ascorbate and natural phenols from blueberries, which allowed for effective film processing without traditional toxic developers. Similarly, I substituted the stop bath with a simple solution of rainwater and vinegar and experimented with a salt-based fixer, using sustainable accelerants like sulfenic acid from onions and MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) to speed up the process.
This approach has been received positively in the photographic community, particularly among photographers committed to reducing their ecological footprint. The impact extends to environmental sustainability, with significant reduction in chemical pollution and potential reuse of film materials. I am developing recipes and guidelines to share these eco-friendly methods with the wider photography community, fostering a shift towards greener practices. Through my work, I hope to inspire others to pursue environmentally conscious approaches to art and chemical-based processes, while also laying the groundwork for sustainable practices in creative industries.

Planet
This project aims to address the environmental impact of photography by reducing the chemical waste associated with black and white film development. Traditional developing agents and fixers contain toxic compounds that, if disposed of improperly, pose risks to soil, water sources, and marine life. By developing an alternative process using vitamin C, vinegar, and natural phenols, chemical toxicity is minimized. These materials are biodegradable, simplifying waste disposal and allowing natural degradation to convert contaminants into stable compounds.

People
My research emphasizes accessible alternatives for film photographers who may not have access to commercial film chemicals or waste disposal facilities. In addition, the project introduces safer handling processes, reducing exposure to harmful chemicals for individuals and studio environments. Traditional developing agents contain compounds like hydroquinone that can cause DNA damage and compromise immune responses. Replacing these with safe alternatives like vitamin C, sodium carbonate and natural phenols helps mitigate health risks, especially for home and studio photographers. This solution promotes a safe working environment for artists and labs while raising awareness about responsible waste management, encouraging photographers to consider the environmental impact of their art.

Profit
By developing a low-cost, easily accessible alternative to conventional photographic chemicals, this project contributes to economic sustainability within the photographic arts. Instead of investing in expensive chemical disposal services or high-priced commercial developers, photographers can use affordable and easily accessible ingredients like ascorbic acid and vinegar. This solution reduces costs and allows more artists to adopt sustainable practices, potentially opening up new markets and audiences interested in eco-friendly photography. Additionally, MNEXT, Dutch chemistry research center, will work with me in the near future to try and turn this research into a marketable product.
This work advances sustainable practices in analog photography, creating an accessible, ethical alternative that addresses environmental, human, and economic needs. Through these efforts, I aim to bridge the gap between traditional photographic techniques and modern, responsible solutions for a sustainable future in the arts.

#photography #naturalmaterials #sustainablepractise

https://giuliaprincipe.com/research

My project empowers nature to create a new loop by integrating sustainable, circular practices into the traditional film photography process. The plan of collaborating with farmers, essence designers, and fermentation companies, aims to incorporate natural phenolic extraction into broader bioeconomic cycles. For example, blueberries from a local farmer can be used to extract phenols for the film-developing process, and the residual natural waste can be returned to the farmer for composting, thus closing the loop.
This circular approach minimizes waste and maximizes resource efficiency, transforming what would otherwise be discarded as agricultural byproducts into valuable resources for both artistic and agricultural communities. By partnering with industries like essence design or jam production, my process finds a place in the broader ecosystem of circular production, where every material serves a purpose.
The film-developing agents I’ve developed—such as sodium ascorbate combined with phenols—are entirely natural and non-toxic, significantly reducing the environmental impact of photography. This method not only prevents harmful chemicals from entering ecosystems but also aligns with regenerative agriculture principles, enhancing soil health through compostable waste byproducts.
Incorporating this circular production model into industry practices advances the use of nature-positive alternatives, supporting nature’s ability to capture and convert waste into resources at every stage. Through this model, I aim to bring my sustainable solutions to a wider audience while demonstrating the viability of integrating artistic and ecological practices into a bioeconomic framework that benefits both people and the planet.

My work contributes to regenerating ecosystems by not only eliminating toxic chemicals but also turning agricultural byproducts into resources for sustainable film development. Through a circular collaboration with farmers and essence designers, the process transforms plant waste into a core component of my photography, reducing environmental strain at multiple levels.
For instance, farmers provide organic materials like blueberries or other phenolic-rich plants, which are then processed to extract the compounds used in eco-friendly film developers. The natural waste produced after extraction can be returned to the farmers for composting, enriching the soil and promoting biodiversity. This not only prevents the waste from becoming a pollutant but also contributes to the regeneration of soil health.
The regenerative aspect of my project lies in its ability to close the loop between agricultural production and waste management. By utilizing natural resources and returning waste to the soil, the process supports the stabilization of local ecosystems. Additionally, this system provides a sustainable alternative to the use of synthetic, petrochemical-based photography chemicals, which can leach into water sources and harm aquatic life.
Working with natural, compostable materials, the project enables ecosystems to thrive rather than degrade. It fosters a collaboration between the arts and agricultural sectors, demonstrating how diverse industries can come together to regenerate both the natural environment and the creative economy. In this way, my project goes beyond minimizing environmental harm—it actively supports ecosystem restoration and the sustainable use of natural resources.

The core of my project’s educational outreach revolves around making the complexities of the bioeconomy and circular production easily accessible and relatable. By demonstrating how artistic processes, such as film photography, can integrate with agricultural and industrial practices, I highlight how diverse sectors can work together to create sustainable cycles. This interdisciplinary approach makes bioeconomy concepts engaging and tangible for a wider audience.
I tell the story of how local farmers, essence designers, and other collaborators can join forces in a circular economy. For instance, by using phenols extracted from agricultural byproducts like blueberries, I illustrate how waste can be repurposed to serve multiple industries. After the phenolic extraction, the natural waste is composted, returning nutrients to the soil. These processes are not just theoretical but demonstrated through partnerships with local farms and industries, making the bioeconomy an everyday, practical reality.
In workshops and public talks, I show how circularity in production can be adopted at all scales—whether in an artist’s darkroom, a farmer’s field, or a jam factory. Through step-by-step guides, I explain how to replace toxic chemicals with natural alternatives, fostering widespread adoption. This process also empowers creatives, scientists, and farmers alike to innovate and find their own circular solutions, making sustainability more accessible and attractive.
By sharing personal experiences from Naples, a region plagued by toxic waste, I frame the importance of sustainability not just as an ecological necessity but as a compelling narrative of environmental justice. The project weaves storytelling and practical application together, making complex bioeconomy concepts understandable and actionable, motivating broader industry change and individual empowerment.