Trend Forum Materials & Nature

The Materials & Nature Trend Forum – Sustainability Matters - is the special event area for sustainable technologies for the supplier industry. With its key topic of neo-ecology, interzum 2023 will be focusing on transforming our economy to make it more circular. The most important megatrend of the next decade, neo-ecology describes a shift in the values of society as a whole towards a circular consumerism that is in harmony with the mechanisms of nature. A wealth of material innovations is springing up in this field, promoting the formation of circular business models and optimising use of the available resources. In this special event, Berlin-based future agency Haute Innovation presents precisely these current material innovations in the field of “neo-ecology”. The focus is naturally on the application potentials for the furniture and interiors industry.

Biodegradable helmet from mycelium

Usually made with hard-to-recycle plastics and foam that are both harmful to the planet, helmets also require replacing every 3 years.. This creates a lot of waste. For MyHelmet studio MOM combined mycelium, the root network of fungi, and hemp flakes. As the mycelium feeds on the flakes, it grows and creates cross connections in a network that is both tough and allows air to flow for natural cooling. A heating process stops the growing process. That creates a material that closely resembles standard EPS foam. Made from hemp, both the strap and the outer shell have a woven structure that strengthens the helmet. As the mycelium attaches itself to the hemp textile in the growth process, they remain permanently connected. MyHelmet is lightweight, breathable, and entirely biodegradable. Studio MOM Arnhem, The Netherlands email: [studio@studiomom.nl](mailto:studio@studiomom.nl)

Tree of Culture

European Spruce has evergreen leaves and likes to grow in deep, wet soils. Once harvested it can be turned into wood chips, and then into cellulose fiber by ways of extracting a brownish substance called lignin. Cellulose and lignin are the two most abundant organic polymers on earth. While one is used excessively in a host of different industries such as the paper and textile industry, the other stays largely unexplored, remaining an underutilized by-product. In fact, to date lignin is mostly burned in thermal waste plants for the production of energy, with all the consequential negative emissions. The Tree of Culture is a design-research project exploring the immense potential offered by lignin when reconnected with cellulose, through processes of recombination and rematerialisation of residual matters. Basse Stittgen Amsterdam, The Netherlands email:[ info@bassestittgen.com](mailto:info@bassestittgen.com) [www.bassestittgen.com](http://www.bassestittgen.com)

Biofabricated chair from recycled bricks

Biocement is produced by stimulating thousands of bacteria to form solid structures: In presence of urea and calcium chloride, Sporosarcina pasteurii is connecting granulated building waste with calcium carbonate. In the production process, neither a firing process and thus a lot of energy is required nor CO2 is emitted. The combination of biofabrication and digital tools enables the material to be formed in a new way. The project “The Essence of Biocement” investigates the key functional and aesthetic potentials of the new material. Serving as an object of knowledge, it has been translated into a seating furniture. Friedrich Gerlach, Julia Huhnholz Weimar, Germany email: [mail@friedrichgerlach.de](mailto:mail@friedrichgerlach.de), [mail@juliahuhnholz.com](mailto:mail@juliahuhnholz.com) [www.friedrichgerlach.de](http://www.friedrichgerlach.de), [www.juliahuhnholz.com](http://www.juliahuhnholz.com)

Acoustic products from eelgrass

Eelgrass’s use in construction dates back to the 1600’s, when settlers of Læsø island would forge thick roof-thatching for their seaweed houses, a technique unseen anywhere else in the world. Enhanced through state-of-the-art technology, Søuld’s work represents a passionate reinvention of Denmark’s forgotten heritage. After a decade of research and development into the material, Søuld has emerged as an expert in eelgrass and is the first company to convert the material into CO₂-storing building materials that combine high acoustic performance, safety and durability with sustainability and modern aesthetics. Working together with local farmers, municipalities and ecologists, Søuld has optimized eelgrass collection based on environmental protection and the preservation of natural eelgrass meadows. Søuld Copenhagen, Denmark email: [tobias@sould.dk](mailto:tobias@sould.dk) [www.sould.dk](http://www.sould.dk)

SeaWood

SeaWood materials is a range of 100% natural, recyclable and chemical-free materials made from seaweed, waste cellulose and fibres from agricultural residues. It is the result of a research asking how to transform leftover plant matter and renewable biomasses into sustainable materials. A new procedure without additional binders allows the material to remain pure and healthy. SeaWood stores the nitrogen and carbon dioxide that was captured by the seaweed while growing, restoring the natural balance in salt waters. BlueBlocks B.V. Rotterdam, The Netherlands Marjanne Cuypers-Henderson email: [marjanne@blueblocks.nl](mailto:marjanne@blueblocks.nl) [www.blueblocks.nl](http://www.blueblocks.nl)

Écopin pellets based on pine resin

Écopin is a 100% natural material based in pine resin. It is the first material resulting from a global eco-design approach offering an alternative to plastics. Écopin pellets lend themselves to complex and original design forms to bring all your ideas to life. Écopin is perfectly adapted to classic thermoplastic transformation technologies such as injection and thermocompression. The material respects an eco-design approach. This means that it is composed exclusively of renewable natural resources from the global biomass waiting to be valorized. It can be reused up to 6 times without losing its mechanical properties and durability. It is also water repellent and has a light density (1.01) almost like water. Arrosia Anglet, France email: [contact@arrosia.fr](mailto:contact@arrosia.fr) [www.arrosia.fr](http://www.arrosia.fr)

Cyalith tiles from carbonate minerals

Cyalith tiles from carbonate minerals Ordinary ceramic tiles need to be fired at high temperatures over many hours to harden (sinter) and glaze the materials. Firing accounts for about 90% of the energy footprint of ordinary ceramics. Deakin has developed two technologies, termed BioSintering and BioGlazing, that eliminate the need for conventional firing and glazing - significantly reducing the carbon footprint of the resulting tiles. The resulting biocomposite materials can have compressive strengths in excess of 90 MPa, which exceeds high-strength concrete and is the strongest synthetic biomaterial ever reported. Cyalith is made from carbonate minerals (>95% by mass) and a binder obtained from algae - a photosynthetic microorganism. The binder is a by-product of 3rd generation algal biofuels production. Deakin Bio-hybrid Materials Manchester, UK email: [aoife@deakinbio.com](mailto:aoife@deakinbio.com) [www.deakinbio.com](http://www.deakinbio.com)

Invisible Solar Rooftile

Invisible Solar technology has been developed by Dyaqua, an italian family-run business, to bring solar energy inside historic towns and on heritage buildings. The Invisible Solar Module is monolithic, made of a non-toxic and recyclable polymeric compound which embeds monocristallyne solar cells. A special surface, that reproduce aesthetic of terracotta or other building materials while transparent for sun rays, allows solar cells to function even if totally integrated. The first Invisible Solar installation has been made on House of Vettii, inside the Pompeii Archaeological Park as a pilot project in 2018. Dyaqua Camisano Vicentino, Italy Elisa Quagliato email: [invisiblesolar@dyaqua.it ](mailto:invisiblesolar@dyaqua.it ) [www.dyaqua.it](http://www.dyaqua.it)

Bone Terrazzo

Terrazzo is traditionally lime or cement mixed with left over aggregates that could be easily polished. It was created when resourceful Venetian mosaic workers discovered a way to reuse marble remnants. The nowadays much more common concrete used in the construction industry could also be understood as a form of terrazzo. It also consists of cement with an aggregate - sand. However, this sand becomes a scarcer resource from day to day. Bone fragments or animal crematorium ash could be an alternative aggregate in both terrazzo and concrete. Ella Einhell Berlin, Germany email: [design@ellaeinhell.com](mailto:design@ellaeinhell.com) [www.ellaeinhell.com](http://www.ellaeinhell.com)

Bathroom Interior based on Wood

Woodio material, is a combination of wood chips and resin-based binders. In everyday use, the Woodio material works the same way as traditional ceramics. The significant difference is the almost carbon-neutral production method of the material, which as an environmentally friendly alternative significantly reduces air pollution and CO2 emissions. The material is completely waterproof, impact resistant and environmentally friendly. It also acts as a carbon sink during its service life. Woodio material can be utilized as energy waste when it reaches the end of its life cycle. The material is suitable for numerous applications and will not be limited to bathroom furniture like washbasins and toilet seats only. Woodio Oy Helsinki, Finland Jenna Tikkanen email: [woodio@woodio.fi](mailto:woodio@woodio.fi) [www.woodio.fi](http://www.woodio.fi)

Ameba sotf seating with ecological coating

Ameba is a frameless, soft seating object made of soft foam with a special coating developed by Cooloo. The company transforms waste streams into high-end coatings for furniture, interior projects and design applications. For instance waste streams such as concrete, leather, jeans or even shredded banknotes are turned into upholstery, acoustic materials or complete interior make-overs. To do so, Cooloo is constantly looking for new coating possibilities using local waste streams. Furthermore, Cooloo develops resistant coatings for industrial clients that last in extreme indoor and outdoor conditions. And last but not least, coatings for locations that require high chemical resistance. Cooloo Wanssum, The Netherlands Ricco Fiorito email: [ricco@cooloo.nl](mailto:ricco@cooloo.nl) [www.cooloo.nl](http://www.cooloo.nl)

Jute Wall Tiles

Jute Wall Tiles Atelier LVDW is a material design studio with a focus on bio-based interior surfaces and objects. For the wall tiles the atelier used a waste material from the flooring industry to create a new surface material. The material is made of 50% jute fibre. Jute fibre is the only waste material in the production process of Forbo linoleum. By combining it with plaster, the fluff is transformed into strong tiles with distinct patterns. The original properties of the plaster are changed by this addition. Giving this waste material a second life and new durable purpose. By using this waste material, Forbo linoleum becomes a zerowaste product. The Jute Wall Tile is a sustainable alternative for traditional tiling. Atelier LVDW Rotterdam, The Netherlands Laura van de Wijdeven email: [info@atelierlvdw.nl](mailto:info@atelierlvdw.nl) [www.atelierlvdw.nl](http://www.atelierlvdw.nl)

CO2-sock

Thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) can be melt-spun into elastic yarns. Even small proportions of 2 to 20 wt.-% of these yarns may be sufficient for desired elasticity in textiles. The greenhouse gas CO2 is an abundant, cost-effective and – if applied correctly - sustainable feedstock for material production. CO2 is an eligible raw material of chemical intermediates for TPU production. First elastic CO2-containing TPU demonstrator yarns have been spun and transferred to textile applications such as the “CO2 sock”. Project partners were the Institute for Textile Technology at RWTH Aachen University, Covestro Deutschland AG (Leverkusen) and FALKE (Schmallenberg). Institut für Textiltechnik of RWTH Aachen University Aachen, Germany Dr. Lukasz Debicki email: [lukasz.debicki@ita.rwth-aachen.de](mailto:lukasz.debicki@ita.rwth-aachen.de) [www.ita.rwth-aachen.de](http://www.ita.rwth-aachen.de)

Daika Wood

Daika has developed a new material which is 100% natural. The material is composed from natural materials (no plastics or petroleum-based materials at all) and various wood waste streams that are currently mainly burned. We have an initial POC in existing industrial manufacturing processes such as extrusion and molding. The resulting products retain the unique properties of wood such as warmth, sense and acoustics and can be processed as regular wood. The products result in the highest level of fire retardancy and water resistance while relying on natural materials only. Daika Tel Aviv, Israel Michael Layani email: [michael@daikawood.com](mailto:michael@daikawood.com) [www.daikawood.com](http://www.daikawood.com)

EPHEA Mycelium Leather

EPHEA is not a leather replacement, it is an entirely new class of flexible high quality mycelium materials for fashion and interior applications. Ranging from an appreciation for its premium haptics, to the validated reactivity in processes of chemical transformation, EPHE has received recognition by high-end industrial actors exposed to the product, evaluating it as the leading mycelium-based alternative. After 5 years of development it is the outcome of well-established partnerships, which are fully coherent with the positioning in the European leather and alternative leather industries, through overall integration within the related value chains. Mogu Inarzo, Italy Serena Camere email: [sc@mogu.bio](mailto:sc@mogu.bio) [www.mogu.bio](http://www.mogu.bio)

Rezign Veneer

The veneer is made of textile waste and biobased fibres. The fibres are first shredded into small pieces and then carded into felt. After that, the felt is pressed with a biodegradable binder made of potato - or corn starch into a hard veneer. The standards are made of blue denim recycled jeans, clothing of the dutch army, recycled bank suits, white denim only white coloured jeans are selected for this veneer. Flax is a 100% biobased and renewable fiber grown locally. Jute from recycled jute coffee bags from the coffee and chocolate industry. Planq Sliedrecht, The Netherlands Anne Ames email: [info@planqproducts.com](mailto:info@planqproducts.com) [www.planqproducts.com](http://www.planqproducts.com)

Paper Studs

The Swedish start-up Wood Tube is passionated about reducing the construction industrys’ climate impact by making resource efficient products from the forest. Wood Tube’s material combines light weight and high strength with being climate-smart and cost-effective. Wood tubes are build from paper. Paper studs reduce emissions by 92% compared to traditional steel studs. Walls built with Wood Tube’s paper studs are constructed like traditional walls built with steel studs. Wood Tubes paper studs are currently available in 45×70 mm. They can be delivered in custom lengths to save time and money. Wood Tube Sweden AB Säffle, Sweden Tobias Söderbom Olsson email: [info@woodtube.se](mailto:info@woodtube.se) [www.woodtube.se](http://www.woodtube.se)

PaperShell

PaperShell aims to make components that are more environmentally friendly than press molded veneer, weather resistant as plastic and strong as fiber composites. First out is a highly sustainable load bearing material solution that resembles an artificially engineered and exclusive wood. Components are made by press moulding, or inflation bladder moulding, to create 3D surfaces that are hard and load bearing for indoor and outdoor products. A natural fiber composite solution to replace press molded veneer, plastic details, fiber composites or even press molded metal. PaperShell Gothenburg, Sweden Anders Breitholtz email: [info@papershell.com](mailto:info@papershell.com) [www.papershell.com](http://www.papershell.com)

Biodegradable textile filling

Biodegradable textile filling Finnish startup Fluff Stuff develops plant-based textile fillings, utilizing perennial cattails plants (Typha) to create fillings both biodegradable and free from microplastics. The cattail fluff is comparable to feather and down for insulation, softness and flexibility, and offers a climate-positive case for incentivising drained peatland transition to paludiculture – a win-win rewetting process allowing the cattail cultivation that also stops the peatlands from puffing out CO2. Fluff Stuff processes the cattail fiber to a competitive filling material, and produces pilots, prototypes and items. Fluff Stuff Helsinki, Finland Erno Launo email: [hello@fluffstuff.fi](mailto:hello@fluffstuff.fi) [www.fluffstuff.fi](http://www.fluffstuff.fi)

Amazkin

Amazkin is a new, 100% naturally-derived, scratch-resistant and biodegradable alternative to animal and petroleum-based “vegan” leathers. A marriage of ancestral Amazonian techniques and contemporary aesthetics, the production of this biomaterial inherently contributes to the conservation of the rainforest and empowers Indigenous Peruvian families out of poverty through economic development and sustainable land management. No trees are cut down in the production of Amazkin. It is derived from the sap of the Shariga “rubber” tree, which grows ubiquitously in the Amazon. Indigenous communities throughout the rainforest are experts at sustainably extracting the latex in harmony with the trees’ seasonal and life cycles. Amazkin Lima, Peru Jorge Cajacuri Tubilla email: [theamazkin@gmail.com](mailto:theamazkin@gmail.com) [www.amazkin.com](http://www.amazkin.com)

Trend Forum Materials & Nature