Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), made up of polypropylene (PP), aluminium metallised polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester, and an inner layer of weldable polyethylene (PE). While this multilayer structure offers excellent protection of food products, improving shelf life, it is impossible to separate and recycle the individual materials.
Multilayer film vacuum packaging, made up of aluminium metallised polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester, and an inner layer of weldable polyethylene (PE). While this multilayer structure offers excellent protection against oxidisation and moisture, it is impossible to separate and recycle the individual materials.
Gucci watch back plate, in stainless steel, chemical etched graphics, with titanium carbonitride (TiCN) coating for protection and to provide a very durable rose gold colour
Stardust particle, by Olafur Eliasson, 2014, is a hanging sculpture made up of a stainless steel structure and thin, partially reflective, vacuum-coated filter glass.
Lightfalls by Todd Bracher Studio for 3M. A moulded acrylic light reflector covers a single LED bulb. To create the coloured effects, 3M dichroic film (vacuum deposition coated polyester film) is placed over the light source. Image Todd Bracher Studio.
Lightfalls by Todd Bracher Studio for 3M. A moulded acrylic light reflector covers a single LED bulb. The light is scattered by a highly reflective (98%) 3M vacuum deposition coated film placed onto the acrylic shade. Image Todd Bracher Studio.
Miss K table lamp, by Philippe Starck for Flos, 2003, featuring an injection moulded transparent polycarbonate (PC) diffuser, metallised with aluminium to create a reflective finish that is thin enough to become see-through when backlit
Astronaut Scott Parazynski during a spacewalk on STS-120. The ultra-thin gold coating on the visor provides protection from harmful solar radiation. Image NASA.
Javits Center, New York, by James Ingo Freed, completed 1986. The mirrored laminated float glass windows are mounted into pre-fabricated steel modules on a space frame structure. The dramatic reflective glazing has since been removed and replaced with insulated, laminated float glass, screen printed with a dot matrix frit pattern, to increase the energy efficiency of the building.
Handmade trumpet, made with different types and colours of copper alloy, including brass (the colours are the result of different proportions of zinc) and nickel silver. The proportion of alloy affects the sound, with high proportions of zinc producing brighter tones, and less zinc (more copper) producing warmer tones.
Beat lamp, by Tom Dixon, is made from brass. Handmade by craftsmen of Moradabad (Uttar Pradesh district, India), the shade is spun into shape, and the interior is hammered to strengthens the material, hide defects and create a surface pattern. In this example the outside is patinated black and the inside lacquered
Stella McCartney metallised laminate packaging utilising a 3-ply Tipa compostable plastic film. Tipa packaging films are based on a mix of bio-based and petroleum based compostable plastic. The quantity of bio-based ingredients ranges from 20-80% depending on the requirements of the application. This product may be composted in industrial facilities. Image Tipa.
Stella McCartney zipper pouch packaging utilising Tipa compostable plastic. Tipa packaging films are based on a mix of bio-based and petroleum based compostable plastic. The quantity of bio-based ingredients ranges from 20-80% depending on the requirements of the application. This product may be composted in industrial facilities. Image Tipa.
Entr’acte screen printed CD packaging made with vacuum sealed aluminised plastic film. The outer layer is polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester, and the inner layer is polyethylene (PE), to allow for heat sealing. The thin layer of aluminium is sandwiched between.
Metallised paper, such as used for wrapping chocolate, is produced with a thin layer of aluminium on the surface of lightweight paper. The aluminium provides functional barrier properties, as well as a bright metallic backdrop for printing. The aluminium layer is so thin that it is considered recyclable along with regular paper.
Spot Material is a database of materials for sustainable design, curated by Rob Thompson. Compare properties, carbon and end of life, find better alternatives and discover new material innovations. Browse all materials
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