1 Horizon Scanning
Material concepts
Material Concepts
Bio-based
Biobased materials are made from biological raw materials instead of fossil ones. They are materials derived from organic carbon sources; for example, grains, corn, potatoes, rice, soy, sugar cane, wheat and vegetable oil. Materials are used untreated or naturally dyed in a mild, non-invasive way. To achieve a climate-conscious future, production methods should be reduced, fostering a closer connection and relation to the origin.
Left material, 100% CO GEC, American fleece by Positive Materials
Right material, 100% CO Organic, Food textile with Midorio Bio Soft by RDD
Outdoor
Outdoor materials are also made from nature; they are environmentally friendly and bio-based. These materials use what the Earth gives us, within its means, and they return at the end of their life cycle to their biodegradable ingredients. Local materials are used to develop products and reduce a product’s footprint. Material efficiency strategies such as the focus on lightweight materials and using an optimization strategy may enable the use of fewer materials while providing the same quality.
Left material, 85% Bio-polymer from orange and cactus, 100% CO Organic Backing by Ohoskin
Right material, 82% Recycled Polyester, 18% SEACELL Modal by New Wide Taiwan
Solar
The integration of solar technologies into materials will be a common occurrence. Wearable solar cells on devices and textiles can store energy for a cellphone or computer, making the user independent of the power grid. The aesthetics of solar will begin to kindle new methods of development and be seamlessly designed within products. Harnessing the power of low-carbon energy production on the body and in the living environment will give inspiration and agency regarding the optimal use of available energy.
Left material, Solar Panel with Poly layer, Basic Transparency of 20% by ASCA Technology
Right material, Silver sun and UV blocking polyester fabric
Constructions
Materials must be simply constructed and easily disassembled at the end of their life cycle, when they are recycled put into compost. Nonwovens and pressed bio composites are easily applicable for many surfaces. Subtle texture is shown through their material origin, whether it be repurposed waste textiles or mycelium fibres. The use of biobased glue made for instance from corn and starch reduces the climate footprint of a product.
Left material, 70% Recycled textiles: 54% Polyester, 15% Cotton, 1% Wool, 30% Copolyester and Polypropylene by Pierre Plume
Right material, Forward needle punched min. 50% recycled polyester by Nike
Material Research
Strength in nature
The materials for Horizon Scanning are regenerative such as bamboo, straw, hemp-based technologies, as well as wood or earth-based solutions. The materials are steps forward towards a circular economy and are aimed at eliminating waste and toxins in the production cycle. Materials can also aim to have wear resistance for longer use. These companies and their material developments strive for a lower carbon footprint and eventually carbon neutrality.
Image: Modern Synthesis’ biomaterial from growing nanocellulose using bacterial fermentation.
Bio-based Xorel
Carnegie offers their 60-85% bio-based Xorel, derived from plant-based PE. It is a high-performance interior textile with a significantly reduced carbon footprint.
Bio based dyneema
The 1.3 oz composite Dyneema fabric by is composed of bio-based fibres of highly molecular PE, sourced from renewable bio-based feedstock.
Finishing
The Rora in Brera Brown is a highly durable finish, inspired by Italian stone. Apra Industriale aims for carbon neutrality, cutting emissions down by 50% by 2026.
Natural wall panels
BioModule by VanHier uses Dutch natural residual flows and fast-growing crops for its biodegradable BioM sheet material, suitable for coverings and furnishing.
Coated hemp
This coated textile is made from 38% Hemp, 25% PLA (Polylactid Acid), 37% Water-Based PU by Recyctex.
Wool
Woola uses wool to replace petroleum-based plastic bubble wrap for a sustainable option. As a naturally high-tech fibre, leftover sheep wool is taken and reused.
Food Dye
RDD uses food waste for its Re-Colour collection, from food companies, farms, and coffee houses, the dyeing process uses less waste and no chemicals.
Pineapple yarn
Created by Ananas Anam, the textile is 100% recyclable and made of pineapple leaf fibres. No extra land, water, or pesticide is needed to produce the raw material.
Bio flooring
Mogu’s floor tiles support a fully circular industry. 87% of the biobased resin constitutes the top layer. The paint used is water-based and has a matte feeling.
Insulation
3M’s Thinsulation has the heat properties of natural down and the insulation of synthetic fibres. Its lightweight, breathable construction supports a variety of winter apparel.
Pine leather
Pinel is a biobased leather alternative created by Natural Material Studio and the Teknologisk Instituut in Denmark, from discarded Danish Christmas trees.
Abacá
Bananatex created a technical fabric made from Abacá banana plants, requiring no pesticides, fertilizer or extra water.