A circular natural packaging material with ocean carbon and waste-free processing. A biopolymer derived from marine seaweed that is water-soluble and biodegradable while offering sealability and thermoformability, making it ideal for packaging applications. It consists of seaweed (carrageenan-bearing red algae in its entirety), water, and natural plasticizer. It exhibits high flexibility and tensile strength and is translucent. The pellets can be molded and extruded. Current applications include dishwasher tabs and single use packaging. Learn more in our link in profile.
100% recycled polycarbonate that resembles Mother of Pearl. The company melts the material and then kneads and mixes it while it’s still warm. The technique is like taffy pulling for candy canes. During the process the material is stretched and folded numerous times, aerating it. The tiny, stretched air bubbles captured within the translucent plastic reflect light, resulting in an iridescent glow resembling Mother of Pearl. Applications include decorative solid surface material and as stand-alone art pieces.
A cob-based, low-cost system using eco-friendly materials and methods for intended use as a replacement wall for sustainable buildings. The composite is made from two layers, one structural and one for insulative properties. No additional binding materials are used to join the two materials, other than their inherent clay properties when mixed with water for on-site built wall systems. Applications include building material for the construction of thermally insulting structures.
A durable, affordable, safe liner that leverages the natural insulating capacity of coconut husk fiber to exceed the thermal performance of many plastic foams without the associated emissions or pollution concerns. It comprises 80% Coconut Husk Fiber (a.k.a. “coir”), a waste product, and 20% natural latex. It provide excellent insulation (R= 2.5/in), antimicrobial and tensile properties. Applications include insulated packaging for fish, dairy, vegetables and impact protection for recreational coolers.
This bio-based decorative panel material is made with rice straw, coffee husks, and recycled paper pulp. The material diverts agricultural waste from burning and leverages herbs and minerals to produce its 5 core color palette. It is compostable, lightweight, and renewable. The panel diffuses sound and helps regulate room temperature. Applications include architectural elements.
Lightweight, metal fabric that has aesthetic patterns on the surface created by selective heating with minerals. This 100% 316L (medical grade) stainless steel woven textile has high flexibility and allows for visual transparency in certain lighting for screens and cladding. Current applications include apparel and accessories, in artworks, and as a window shade.
Polyester film embedded with liquid photonic crystals to create a color-shifting film with brand protection and anti-counterfeiting functionalities. A liquid crystal solvent is applied to polymer films as a wet coating via slot die, gravure, or other common printing processes. The result is a film that exhibits a color shifting effect, from red to green, with mild light absorption. Applications include brand protection, packaging, banknotes, security documents, anti-counterfeiting.
The world’s first wood-based structural color coatings that can provide nature’s brightest colors – like those found in peacock feathers or butterfly wings through microscopically small nanostructures. This 100% nanocellulose based material provides a way to add iridescent structural color via plastic-free coating onto any flat wooden surfaces and is still in the development stage. Applications include furniture, architectural elements, homeware, and product design. Learn more in our link in profile.
A high-performance, lightweight, short bamboo fiber non-woven mat is designed for composite applications. The manufacturer leverages an innovative milling and sieving process to differentiate 8 distinct fiber fractions characterized by specific aspect ratios. The mats are designed for resin infusion or prepreg processes. Applications include consumer goods, automotive, architecture, etc. Discover more about this and over 10,000 materials with a Material Insights membership.
A rigid, durable material with an appearance identical to basaltic stone, but with the ability to create complex shapes. Its surface has a softer texture that differentiates it from composites such as Corian. The ‘liquid stone’ can create intricate curves that are impossible to achieve using natural stone without complex machining techniques. Applications include tabletop design, architecture, interiors, furniture, jewelry, and automotive. Discover more details in our link in profile.
These resource-efficient bricks and brickslips are made with recycled construction & demolition waste, waste gypsum plasterboard, recycled pigments, and proprietary binder. The bricks are 100% recyclable with a lower carbon footprint than conventional brick. They are durable, resistant to frost, and color customizable. Applications include architecture, interior design, etc. Discover more details in our link in profile.
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Refillable and reusable packaging accounted for only about 4% of global packaging sales in 2021, creating a huge opportunity for growth and innovation when it comes to new ways to engineer more customer engagement and loyalty.
In our newest feature on Dieline, discover what sustainable material innovations make ideal choices for packaging refill systems by our EVP of research Dr. Andrew Dent. Read the full article in our link in bio!
Pictured: This glass consists of 100% recycled soda-lime glass. Soda lime glass is a silica glass that contains alkali metal oxides and exhibits moderate chemical resistance and moderate hydrolytic (water) resistance. To produce the material, external cullet from recycled glass is collected, crushed, and melted with oxygen- and hydrogen-initiated combustion in a batch glass furnace. Current applications include packaging for food and beverage, spirits, and cosmetics.
