Spotlight

Nuvi bio-based animal-free leather alternative textiles

Nuvi are developing a range of animal-free leather alternatives from bio-based ingredients. Creta is an innovative material with a soft, supple surface texture made from Champagne chalk. Mamora is made from stone, available in undyed natural shades. Papilio is derived from butterfly pea flowers. The materials are produced on undyed linen-viscose or organic cotton backing materials. They can be coloured, embossed and perforated. They require treatment to be waterproof. Image Nuvi.

Spotlight

Sparxell cellulose-based biodegradable pigments

Sparxell produce non-toxic and biodegradable pigments from cellulose. Their technology exploits the highly reflective nature of plant-based cellulose. The colour comes from reflected light, so called structural colour, does not fade and can be used in the same contexts as conventional pigments, glitters, and sequins. The company does not use mica, titania or dye, ensuring their pigments have the least impact possible on the environment. Image Sparxell.

Spotlight

Recycled and bio-based Surlyn ionomer plastic for cosmetics packaging

Two new Surlyn ionomer resins developed by Dow offer carbon savings compared to virgin material. Surlyn REN ionomers are produced using bio-waste such as cooking oil. This process utilises waste residues or by-products from alternative product processes from other industries meaning the raw feedstock materials will not consume extra land resources or compete with the food chain. Surlyn CIR ionomers are created through chemical recycling technologies, breaking down mixed waste plastics into their basic chemical elements, giving plastic waste a second life. This produces a raw material that is equivalent to those made from virgin fossil feedstock. Image Dow.

Spotlight

Corn Next products from starch

Corn Next CN2017 is a starch bioplastic made from corn starch, water and oil. It is suitable for extrusion and injection moulding, food safe and home compostable. CN2017 can break down in as little as 30 days and can degrade in any environment, leaving behind no harmful chemicals. Image Corn Next.

Spotlight

Jackoboard Ligno recycled and partially bio-based insulation foam

Jackon Insulation have developed a recycled and partially bio-based insulation panel, Jackoboard Ligno, with a core made of lignin and recycled polystyrene foam (rPS). The lignin biopolymer is made from renewable raw materials, a by-product of the paper industry. Using recycled general purpose polystyrene (rGPPS) in the extruded polystyrene foam (XPS) and bio-based lignin in the core reduces the carbon footprint of the panel by more than 60%, according to the company.

Spotlight

Syklo biocomposite made with recycled waste

Syklo produce an innovative biocomposite consisting of post consumer recycled (PCR) polypropylene (rPP) combined with recycled paper. The paper is shredded and micro fibrillated (MFC) to create a highly functional additive that provides significant mechanical benefits. It can be injection moulded and provides a bio-based recycled alternative to conventional PP materials in packaging and product applications. Image Syklo.

Spotlight

Kaneka biodegradable PHA polyester

Kaneka produce bio-based and biodegradable polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) as Green Planet. It is suitable for a range of applications include foam packaging, disposable cutlery, single use packaging and reusable food packaging (such as these in-flight meal container served on JAL’s international flights). The colour of the container comes from natural minerals, which means that both materials and colour additive are fossil-free. Image Kaneka.

Spotlight

Sun Circle home compostable packaging plastics

Sun Circle produce polybutylene succinate (PBS) for packaging, kitchen items and agricultural products. These are biodegradable co-polyesters with properties similar to polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE). Typically produced from fossil fuel, it is also possible to make these plastics from bio-based materials, such as through the bacterial fermentation of sugarcane, cassava, and corn. Grades exist that are derived from biomass and are suitable for home composting, without any specialised composting facilities. Image Sun Circle.

Spotlight

MettleWood compressed timber for engineering applications

InventWood have created a type of compressed wood they call MettleWood, suitable for demanding load-bearing applications. The process involves dismantling the lignin that bonds the cellulose fibres. This softens the wood and allows the cellulose fibres to be packed more tightly via evaporation of the water content. The wood is then swelled with water in a rapid process that “shocks” it to form a distinct partially open, wrinkled cell wall structure that provides space for compression as well as the ability to support high strain. The wood is compressed, finished and sealed to form the final profile. The process significantly increases strength and stiffness, which the company claims makes it more competitive with structural metals such as steel and aluminium alloy. Image InventWood.

Spotlight

Woodoo wood-based composite

Woodoo Augmented Wood uses a patented process to remove lignin from wood and replace it with a bio-based polymer (probably polyurethane). Their products include Slim, a see-through and touch sensitive veneer suitable for automotive and products; Flow which is designed as a flexible veneer-like substrate that the company suggests provides an alternative to leather; and Solid, an engineered wood composite for construction and furniture. Image Woodoo.

Spotlight

Prometheus Materials biocement and bio-based concrete

Inspired by the composition of coral and seashells, Prometheus Materials combine microalgae (biomineralizing cyanobacteria that are grown using sunlight, seawater, and CO2) with other natural components to produce biocement and bio-based concrete – they are developing a patent-pending photosynthetic biocementation process. They already produce microalgae-based concrete masonry units (CMU) that conform to American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards and are planning to introduce pre-cast and ready-mix products for roofing tiles, wall panels, sound barriers, and other concrete elements. Image Prometheus Materials.

Spotlight

AMSilk animal-free protein-based textile fibre

AMSilk started producing Biosteel Fiber in 2015: a pioneering protein based fibre development that combined high performance properties with sustainability. Today AMSilk produce a range of fibres, from Biosteel to Ultrafine. It is made with biotechnology and is petroleum free. It is completely biodegradable in marine and aerobic conditions, leaving no plastic residue. It is converted into fabric using standard textile manufacturing equipment, turning man-made proteins into fibres for commercial textiles – footwear and garments, bags and wristbands, home textiles and even composites in automobiles. Image AMSilk.

Spotlight

Simplifyber cellulose-based moulded shoe uppers

Simplifyber produce moulded shoe uppers from a cellulose-based pulp. It is poured into a mould as a liquid and formed into the final shape with heat and pressure, reducing cutting and sewing. The material is made from a mix of wood pulp and other plants and biodegradable additives. It works somewhat similarly to making paper, but the resulting material is strong and durable. The strength comes from an additive derived from food waste, which creates cross-links in the bioplastic structure. It is recyclable with paper. Image Simplifyber.

Spotlight

Woolchemy wool-based fabrics for hygiene applications

Woolchemy produce technical wool-based fabrics that offer an alternative to synthetic textiles in hygiene and wellbeing applications. NeweFlex is a biodegradable acquisition distribution layer (ADL) for disposable hygiene solutions, including diapers (nappies), incontinence and feminine hygiene products. NeweZorb is an ultra-absorbent, breathable textile that can absorb over 10 times more moisture than its original weight while still feeling dry and comfortable. Image Woolchemy.

Spotlight

MarinaTex home compostable packaging film

MarinaTex is a versatile material that is being developed as an alternative to plastic for a variety of applications. It is not yet in commercial production. Made from a combination of agar from red algae and fish processing waste, among other ingredients, it does not contain any harmful chemistry that could damage the environment. From bags to single-use packaging, the transparent film is well suited for packaging and will biodegrade in soil. Image MarinaTex.

Spotlight

CanvaLoop bio-based textiles from agricultural waste

CanvaLoop fibres for fashion and textiles are produced using agricultural waste from crops such as hemp, banana and pineapple production. The fibres are extracted and processed to make HempLoop (stalks from hemp grown for food and medicine), BanLoop (fibres from the plant stalk), PineLoop (fibres from discarded leaves), NettleLoop (wild Himalayan nettle) and FlaxLoop. Image CanvaLoop.

Spotlight

Arda New Grain leather alternative from plant based ingredients

Arda Biomaterials created New Grain, a new type of leather alternative that is currently in development, made from brewers’ spent grain (BSG). According to Arda Biomaterials, for every 100 ltr of beer, there are 20 kg of spent grain. The protein and fibre in the waste grain is processed into materials suitable for textiles that can be processed using similar techniques to leather. Image Arda Biomaterials.

Spotlight

Oceanium seaweed materials

Oceanium develops functional seaweed ingredients for applications in health and wellbeing, skincare, packaging materials, food and beverages. As an example, they developed Ocean Ink, which is a fully biodegradable water-based ink derived from sustainably sourced seaweed. It has a naturally golden colour, which lends itself to high end and luxury packaging, offering an alternative to foil embossing (hot foiling, foil blocking). Image Oceanium.

Spotlight

Searo seaweed packaging materials

Searo Labs has developed a unique formulation of seaweed-based materials that are food contact safe, home compostable, moisture and texture controllable, optically clear, and heat sealable. Potential applications range from film packaging for fresh food to dissolvable shampoo and detergent pods, and feminine care products. Image Searo Labs.

Spotlight

Octarine Bio natural colours for textile dye based on proprietary enzyme technology

Octarine Bio use bio-based ingredients and fermentation to produce textile dyes. Using a proprietary enzyme technology, they have a range of colours they call PurePalette which provide a drop in replacements for synthetic dyes. The company claims that their dye, including production and application, results in c. 70% lower CO2e emissions, c. 62% less water and c. 62% less energy. Image Octarine Bio.

Spotlight

VTT pilot plant to process captured CO2 into raw materials for plastics

VTT, LUT University, and companies (including Borealis) have opened a pilot plant in Finland to process captured CO2 into compounds that can replace fossil raw materials in the production of polypropylene (bio-PP) and polyethylene (bio-PE). At this stage, they are produced at VTT Bioruukki from flue gas carbon dioxide. In the future, the technology can be brought into production wherever bio-based carbon dioxide is produced, such as in forest industry or waste incineration plants.

Spotlight

Uncaged Innovations bio-based leather alternative

Uncaged Innovations are developing a leather alternative that is bio-based, animal-free and doesn’t require tanning like traditional leather. The process fuses structural proteins from grains with other bio-based elements to create fibril networks, replacing the animal collagen required for traditional leather. The company claims that the end product emits 95% less greenhouse gasses, 93% less water, and 72% less energy than traditional animal leather. Image Uncaged Innovations.

Spotlight

Made of Air carbon-negative additive for plastics

Made of Air convert biomass waste streams (such as forestry offcuts and secondary agricultural materials), which have photosynthesised CO2, into a form of biochar through controlled pyrolysis. Burning materials without oxygen means the carbon cannot form CO2 and instead forms biochar. Using their technology the biochar is converted into a functional carbon-rich filler for plastic biocomposites. Biochar has been produced for centuries and is increasingly being used as a fertiliser as well as a way of sequestering carbon in the soil, because the carbon is locked in and it remains stable for hundreds of years. Image Made of Air.

Spotlight

Flaxwood linoleum by Dzek

Linoleum tiles by Dzek in collaboration with designer Christien Meindertsma. It is a bio-based product that promotes a healthy indoor environment made with solidified linseed oil (from flax) and pine resin, filled with additives such as limestone, cork dust and wood flour. Image Dzek.

Spotlight

UBQ thermoplastic additive made from household waste

The feedstock for UBQ is household waste, which is largely comprised of organic materials – everything from food residues and mixed plastics to cardboard, paper, and even dirty diapers, that would have otherwise been sent to landfill or incineration. Metals and minerals, which have high recyclability, are removed and sent over to traditional recycling streams. UBQ’s waste conversion technology breaks down the organic matter into its basic particulate constructs—lignin, cellulose, fibres, and sugars—and then reassembles them into a matrix. Residual plastics present in the waste stream melt and get mixed into the matrix to create a homogeneous and consistent composite thermoplastic material. Image UBQ.

Spotlight

Bio-based and renewable plastic blends

Bio-Fed M•Vera bio-based plastics by Akro Plastics are suitable for injection moulding and are used for coffee capsules, cutlery, cosmetic packaging, toys, plant clips and so on. Renewable grades are based on starch, cellulose, polylactic acid (PLA) and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). Fossil-based types include polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), polybutylene succinate (PBS) and polycaprolactone (PCL). The amount of renewable content is tailored to the application. Image Bio-Fed (a branch of Akro Plastics).

 

Spotlight

Renol lignin additive for plastics

Renol from Lignin Industries is a bio-based additive for thermoplastics such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE). The lignin used to make the additive is a by-product of the paper pulping industry and is typically burnt for energy generation. As an additive it can bring the carbon footprint down by replacing a proportion of the plastic in moulding and extrusion applications.

Spotlight

I’m Green bioplastics

Braskem produce bio-based plastics from sugar cane residue. Their portfolio covers polyethylene (bio-PE) including HDPE, LLDPE and LDPE with a renewable content range of 80-100%, used in packaging, cleaning products and toys, for example. And ethylene vinyl acetate (bio-EVA), with a bio-based content of 45-80%, which can be used in products like sports products, shoe soles and toys. Image Welli Bins in I’m Green bio-based EVA.

Spotlight

Ecor bio-based and recycled panels

Ecor convert agricultural and post-consumer waste (paper and card) into building materials, providing an alternative to engineered wood panels. Raw materials are processed into usable feedstock via a mechanical pulping process to achieve the desired properties for the pulp. The pulp is then dispersed in water and through controlled processing the lignin acts as a natural glue, like hardboard, binding the fibres together. Image Ecor.

Spotlight

Recover Fiber recycled cotton

RCotton (RPure, RMix, RDenim) is made with >90% recycled cotton from industrial and post-consumer textile waste. Old clothes and scraps are shredded and opened up into fibre, which can be spun into yarn for new garments. RColorBlend is an alternative they make, a ready to spin fibre without the need for blending or dyeing, containing around 50% recycled cotton mixed with recycled polyester (PET) from bottles (RBlue), or organic cotton (REarth). Image Recover.

Spotlight

Södra OnceMore regenerated cellulose fibre

This regenerated cellulose fibre from Södra is made with 20% recycled textile and 80% renewable wood. The textile waste comes from post consumer recycled fabrics and includes polycotton blends, which are chemically recycled to liberate the cellulose from the polyester. The polyester is incinerated and the energy recovered goes into the production of OnceMore. Image Södra.

Spotlight

Vegeto milkweed insulation

Vegeto produce a plant-based insulation material made with Canadian milkweed. The light and fluffy fibres comes from the seedpod – their tubular hollow structure provides excellent insulation properties. They are mixed with polylactic acid (PLA), biodegradable polyester, and formed into an insulation fill suitable for gloves, jackets and sleeping bags, for example. Image Vegeto.

Spotlight

NaNea biodegradable polyester fibre

OceanSafe have developed a 25-30% bio-based polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester, that is biodegradable in soil, marine and landfill. In marine water it biodegrades by >93% within 99 days, and is Cradle to Cradle Certified Gold. Alternatively, it can be recycled with regular polyester. It offers drop-in replacement for polyester as fill and fabric for fashion and interior applications. Image OceanSafe.

Spotlight

Bacterial cellulose textiles by Modern Synthesis

Modern Synthesis are developing a new class of materials using nanocellulose derived from bacterial fermentation. Komagataeibacter rhaeticus (K. rhaeticus), isolated from kombucha tea, is fed with sugar and in return creates bacterial cellulose (BC). It is produced as a film, which they combine with a natural textile to create a versatile range of non-woven materials. This unique approach to material design allows designers to precisely control the final look, feel and function of the textile, which can be further enhanced with finishing processes and naturally derived coatings. It is offers an animal free and plastic free alternative to leather, as well as other synthetic materials. Image Modern Synthesis.

Spotlight

Eastman Treva cellulose-based bioplastic

Eastman Treva is a partially cellulose-based engineering material made with 45% bio-based ingredients. It has excellent surface gloss, clarity and tactility and is suitable for many of the same applications as polycarbonate (PC) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). It was created to meet the requirements of packaging, eyeglass frames, wearable electronics, headphones and other personal devices and electronics housings and automotive parts. Image Eastman.

Spotlight

Keim mineral paint

Keim mineral silicate paints are made with non-toxic natural ingredients and mineral pigments. Applied to masonry, the paint forms a permanent chemical bond between the pigment and substrate, creating a long lasting and colourfast coating that is breathable, noncombustible and water resistant. The surface is inherently resistant to fungi, algae and mould growth resulting in a hygienic and beautiful finish. Image Keim.

Spotlight

ClayTec clay plaster

ClayTec clay plasters help to maintain healthy indoor air quality, regulate temperature and balance humidity. Clay plasters adhere to all common substrates used in construction; they are machine-friendly but also easily processed by hand. Image ClayTec.

Spotlight

Huue microbial indigo dye for denim

Huue are developing a process that use specially engineered bacteria to convert natural sugars into indigo dye. By mimicking the natural processes used by plants to create colour, they are able to produce indigo without the use of hazardous chemistry or petroleum-derived ingredients. Image Huue.

Spotlight

HeiQ AeoniQ regenerated cellulose fibre

HeiQ AeoniQ is made from cellulose feedstock, which ranges from natural materials to waste textiles. HeiQ AeoniQ have developed a gentle, PH-neutral chemistry and >99% of the water is recycled in the process. This is different from conventional regenerated cellulose production, which relies on some hazardous chemicals and solvents to extract and spin the cellulose, and it is not a closed loop process. HeiQ AeoniQ fibre has similar elongation and tenacity to polyester (PET). Image HeiQ AeoniQ.

Spotlight

Circ Lyocell fibre

Circ have developed a unique hydrothermal process for recycling mixed textiles made up of cotton and polyester, like polycotton. With their technology, it is possible to extract both materials separately and convert them into the raw materials for new fibres. Usually with mixed material recycling, certain ingredients are sacrificed to save one. In this case, both are useable in new textiles and products – the cotton is converted into lyocell. Image Zara.

Spotlight

Ioncell regenerated cellulose fibre

Ioncell regenerated cellulose fibre is the result of a collaboration between Aalto University and the University of Helsinki. The process utilises an ionic liquid solvent to dissolve cellulose. Once dissolved, the cellulose is converted using dry-jet wet spinning technology. The only chemicals applied are the non-toxic ionic liquid and water. They are both re-circulated in the process in a closed loop. Image Ioncell.

Spotlight

Oryzite rice husk bio-filler for thermoplastics

Oryzite is a bio-filler produced from rice husk, a byproduct of food production. It is used to reduce the weight, cost and carbon footprint of plastics. Mixed with thermoplastics, such as polypropylene (PP), at up to 85%, it can have many benefits. Applications already include packaging, automotive parts, outdoor equipment, fashion accessories and product enclosures. However, it means the material is unlikely to be recycled end of life. Image Oryzite.

Spotlight

Pili bio-colour and pigments with microbes

Pili are developing a cell factory that uses an enzyme based process to convert sugars into colour, using a technique similar to fermenting beer. The genes for each enzyme are integrated into bacteria or other microorganism. These bacteria are grown in water-based bioreactors, using sugar as their main food source. This process requires no fossil fuels and no toxic inputs, and produces no harmful byproducts, making the bacterial biofactories both highly efficient and non-polluting. At the end of the process the pigment is separated by filtration. Image Pili.

Spotlight

Virent bio-based hydrocarbons for bioplastics

The Virent Bioforming process converts carbohydrate rich feedstocks, such as sugar beet and sugar cane, into bio-based hydrocarbons that can be used as the building blocks for plastics. The bio-based chemistry uses catalytic conversation to provide a drop-in replacement for petroleum derived products in the production of plastic like polyester (PET), nylon (PA) and polyurethane (PUR). Applications range from packaging and moulded products to textiles and films. Image Virent.

Spotlight

Mirel polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), biodegradable polyester

Mirel is a polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), bio-based and biodegradable polyester, produced by by Telles (dissolved 2012). A semi-crystalline PHA approved for food contact – from frozen foods to boiling water – it is suitable for injection moulding, film extrusion and thermoforming. In addition to packaging materials and food service items, it could be used to replace polystyrene (PS) in electronics packaging applications. Image Telles.

Spotlight

Brewed Protein faux fur from Spiber

Faux fur made using Spiber‘s Brewed Protein bioplastic. This material is produced by genetically engineered microbes in a fermentation process exactly like brewing beer. It has already been used in textiles for fashion and automotive interiors, and has huge potential as a bio-based alternative to fibres derived from animals, petrochemicals and plants. Image Spiber.

Spotlight

Brewed Protein textiles and materials from Spiber

Brewed Protein by Spiber includes fibres, films, and other types of protein-based materials that are manufactured through fermentation (brewing) of plant-based ingredients. Sugars obtained from agricultural products such as sugarcane and corn provide the main feedstock. The finished materials are bio-based, non-toxic and biodegradable in soil and marine environments. Applications include textiles, fashion, garments, faux fur, films and packaging. Image Spiber.

Spotlight

Mogu mycelium flooring

Mogu flooring is produced with mycelium and agricultural residue. A bio-based polyurethane resin (bio-PUR) coating is added to enhance durability and ensure the surface can tolerate heels, scratches and abrasions just like any conventional floor. To ensure maximum bio-based content, the proprietary formulation of the bio-resin uses low-value biomass in place of industrial pigments. Ingredients include corn crops, rice straw, spent coffee grounds, discarded seaweed and clam shells. Image Mogu.

Spotlight

Treekind plant-based leather by Biophilica

Biophilica Treekind is a flexible, leather-like material, made from urban plant waste, agricultural waste and forestry waste. It is made up of lignocellulosic feedstock (leaves, agricultural waste and forestry waste) with a natural binder. It is coated with a bio-based material to make it waterproof. Available in a range of natural colours, it may also be modified with plant pigments as well as non-toxic natural pigments. It is home compostable, recyclable and estimated to have a very low resource footprint. Image Biophilica.

Spotlight

Galy lab-grown cotton

Even though still in the lab, Galy promise their lab-grown Literally Cotton will be less susceptible to weather and environmental influences, in stable quantities and at stable prices. Instead of harvesting plants, the cells are grown in bioreactor in a process similar to beer brewing. Galy claim their cotton grows ten times faster than conventional cotton, in a process that uses 77% less water, 80% less land and emits 84% less CO2 than traditional cotton manufacturing. Image Galy.

Spotlight

BioPuff plant-based textile fill

BioPuff by Ponda (formerly Saltyco) is a plant-based material that uses bulrush (also known as reed mace). It has a similar structure to feathers and down, providing warm, lightweight and water-resistant natural insulation. It is derived from marshes using paludiculture, an ancient practice of farming on wetlands, such as rewetted peatlands, bogs and fens. About 20 bulrush heads are needed to make enough material for one jacket, and the first rushes are expected to be harvested from the UK site in 2026.

Spotlight

Natural Dye Collection by Ficus Innovations using Agraloop Biofibre

Ficus Innovations partnered with Circular Systems to produce a coloured natural textile fibre with the lowest environmental impact possible. Using only plant waste and extracts from pomegranate peel, olive leaf, lavender, and walnut shell, among others, and bio-resins, plant-based oils, and clay to achieve high colour fastness. No metal mordants, aluminium salts, formaldehyde, and azo dyes are used. Image Circular Systems.

Spotlight

Hemptex India hemp fibre and fabric

Hemptex India is a collaboration between CanvaLoop and Boheco (Bombay Hemp Company Private Limited). Their objective is to utilise agro-waste and make affordable & functional materials for sustainable fashion industry, while supporting local communities. The hemp fibre can be used for textiles for upholstery, apparel, accessories, shoes, furniture, performance wear and more. Image Definitely Curry.

Spotlight

Ottan recycled panels

Ottan converts green waste, such as byproducts from food production, into bio-based composite panels. The raw materials are ground, dried and compressed or cast into sheet products suitable for interior applications, such as furniture, lighting and products. Image Ottan.

Spotlight

Organoid natural fibre interior surfaces

Organoid surfaces are made with Austrian Alpine hay, harvested by hand on steep mountain slopes at an altitude of over 1,700 m. The hay is cleaned and cut before it is pressed, together with the colourful flower petals of marguerites, roses, cornflowers, heather, lavender and sun flowers, into the final product in several layers. The materials can be fixed to walls or furniture, for example. Image Organoid.

Spotlight

Seawool insulation by Seastex

Seastex convert waste byssus (known as the ‘beard’, is an inedible part of edible mussels that is usually removed during cleaning) into a soft, cloud-like raw material called Seawool. This by-product of food production is typically disposed in landfill of uses as biomass. Suitable for construction, furniture and textile industries, it is 100% bio-based, biodegradable, fire retardant and odourless. Image Seastex.

Spotlight

Organic Cotton Colours

Organic Cotton Colours produce organic cotton textile and garments without dye – the colour comes from cotton varieties that naturally grow in cream, green, and brown shades. Using regenerative farming practices, the company controls the supply chain from the field to the finished textile and garment. This ensures the absence of chemicals and guarantees a biodegradable product that is good for people and the planet. Image Organic Cotton Colours.

Spotlight

Colorifix bio-based textile dye

Colorifix dyeing technology uses a bio-based process to grow, deposit and fix colour onto textile. A colour target provides the reference for online DNA sequencing, which is inserted into a non-pathogenic microbe. Using renewable feedstocks such as sugars, yeasts, and plant by-products, they grow these genetically modified microorganisms to produce the desired colour. It is transferred onto textiles and fibres using conventional dyeing equipment, but with zero harmful substances and a fraction of the water and energy necessary in conventional dyeing. Since its founding in 2016, they have bought many colours to market including indigos, mauves, pastels and beiges. Image Colorifix.

Spotlight

Pangaia Frutfiber

Pangaia Frutfiber is a blend of bamboo lyocell regenerated cellulose combined with pineapple leaf and banana leaf fibres – two natural materials that are usually considered agricultural waste as byproducts of the food industry. After the fruits are harvested, these fibrous leaves are typically thrown in landfill or burned. Developed in collaboration between RDD Textiles and Pangaia. Image Pangaia.

Spotlight

Zume moulded paper packaging

Zume and Solenis teamed up to create a line of PFAS-free packaging that is compostable, made from repurposed natural materials like agricultural waste, and includes a range of hot cup lids, bowls, plates, egg cartons, coffee cup lids, protein trays and yogurt cups. Oil repellency is achieved with a mix of PFAS-free chemistry, including Solenis TopScreen water repellent bio-based wax barrier coatings which is both plastic-free and paraffin-free. Image Zume.

Spotlight

Yakisugi charred wood

Yakisugi is a wood burning technique that has been used for centuries in Japan to extend the lifespan of wood in exterior applications. It was conceived before chemical treatments were available as a means of improving the longevity of wood by preventing decay, insect and mould infestation, while making planks more dimensionally stable and improving fire resistance. Typically used for siding and cladding on exteriors, the surface may be sealed and oiled for interior use, furniture and products.

Spotlight

Xampla Morro plant based polymers

Xampla Morro plant based polymers are natural proteins converted into compostable packaging materials, such as coatings and films. The proteins are derived from agricultural waste, from what is leftover once starch has been extracted from peas. They have developed water-soluble films, which can be used for in edible packaging like stock cubes. They also offer dispersion coatings for paper, totally plastic free and home compostable, that can be tailored to offer grease resistance, water resistance, or both. Image Xampla.

Spotlight

Kirei Wheatboard

Wheatboard by Kirei provides an alternative to medium density fibreboard (MDF), plywood and particleboard. It is produced from agricultural waste (wheat stalks) pressed into panels with polyurethane resin (PUR) binder – so no added formaldehyde (NAF). It is used in manufacture of cabinets, millwork, furniture, and subflooring, for example. Image Kirei.

Spotlight

UPM Formi EcoAce bio-based polypropylene (bio-PP)

UPM Formi EcoAce is a bio-based polypropylene (bio-PP) produced from bio-based naphtha, which is made from crude tall oil, a byproduct of the paper pulp process. The bio-composite version contains certified wood fibre (40-60%) or cellulose fibres (30-50%). Based almost entirely on renewable materials, it provides a drop-in replacement for fossil-based PP. It is recyclable and suitable for food contact applications.

Spotlight

Tussah wild silk

Tussah wild silk, also tussore silk, is produced by several species of silkworm that are living wild in the forests. The moths have hatched and so only staple fibre is possible. Examples include eri silk (Samia ricini) and muga silk (Antheraea assamensis). Whereas eri silk is off-white and looks more like cotton once converted into fabric, muga is natural bright golden coloured. Image Sartor Bohemia.

Spotlight

Terraprene Neoprene

Terraprene neoprene is a type of polychloroprene rubber (CR) synthetic rubber made from limestone. Limestone is mined, crushed and melted at around 2,000 degC. It has a similar carbon footprint to petroleum-derived neoprene, such as used in wetsuits, but avoids the use of oil and associated negative impacts. Image NRS.

Spotlight

Terralene by FKuR

Terralene by FKuR includes a range of partially bio-based polyolefins — polyethylene (bio-PE) and polypropylene (bio-PP) — for extrusion blow moulding, extruded profiles and injection moulding. It is suitable for the production of packaging containers that require odour neutrality, good water barrier properties and chemical resistance. Image FKuR.

Spotlight

Tencel Refibra

Tencel Refibra regenerated cellulose textile combines recycled cotton waste from garment production (up to one third) and wood pulp sourced from sustainably managed forests to make virgin Tencel Lyocell. The result is a super soft fabric that reduces waste – it is manufactured in a virtually closed-loop process and the fabric is certified compostable end of life. Image Toms.

Spotlight

Tencel Lyocell regenerated cellulose fibre

Tencel Lyocell by Lenzing is a type of regenerated cellulose fibre, derived from wood pulp. The conventional way of making this type of fibre consumes a lot of nasty chemicals. Lyocell takes a novel approach, using a different chemical system – N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide (a form of amine oxide known as NMMO) and water – which allows a virtually closed-loop production system. Lyocell is soft, absorbent and comfortable. It is often combined with a wide other textile fibres such as cotton, polyester, acrylic, wool, and silk to enhance the aesthetics and functionality of fabrics. Lyocell is certified biodegradable and compostable under industrial, home, soil and marine conditions. Image Tencel.

Spotlight

Technipol Bio by Sipol

Technipol Bio by Sipol is a range of biodegradable co-polyesters with up to 90% renewable ingredients, based on polybutylene adipate co-terephthalate (PBAT) and polybutylene succinate (PBS), for example. Properties range from low melt-temperature resins suitable as hot melt adhesive (shoe making) to relatively high hardness and high melting temperature bioplastic with performances close to polypropylene (PP). Image Sipol.

Spotlight

Sylvicta paper

Sylvicta is a translucent paper for packaging applications made by Arjowiggins using micro fibrillated cellulose (MFC). Providing a barrier to oxygen, mineral oils and fatty grease, the pioneering paper is fully recyclable, compostable and marine degradable. It provides a plastic free alternative to packaging films such as made from polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester.

Spotlight

Sway seaweed packaging

Sway seaweed packaging. Cast as transparent films, they offer a renewable and compostable alternative to packaging plastics such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester. Their products include TPSea melt-processable pellets for film extrusion, TPSea Flex which mixes seaweed with bioplastic for bags and wrappers, and prefabricated bags using TPSea Flex. Image Sway.

Spotlight

Sulapac bioplastic packaging

Sulapac includes an innovative range of bio-based plastics and composites suitable for injection moulding, thermoforming and 3D printing. Various biodegradable polyesters are blended to ensure optimum properties depending on the requirements. Including wood or other water absorbing additives draws moisture into the plastic and so initiates biodegradation from within, accelerating the composting process. This opens up a wider range of applications, especially within packaging. Ranging from 70-100% renewable ingredients, the materials are industrially compostable and recyclable. Image Sulapac.

Spotlight

Spinnova fibre

Spinnova is a textile fibre produced from micro fibrillated cellulose (MFC). It is white, fluffy and firm, with a warmth comparable to lambswool. Its stretch and strength are similar to cotton. Depending on the application, it is possible to make the fibre water repellent, or moisture absorbing. It is spun into yarn and suitable for knitted, woven and nonwoven fabrics. Image Spinnova.

Spotlight

Reishi fine mycelium fabric

Reishi fine mycelium fabric by MycoWorks provides an alternative to animal leather and plastic-based textiles made using polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This luxury mycelium leather that looks and feels like fine animal leather but with much lower environmental impact. Image MycoWorks.

Spotlight

Piñayarn by Ananas Anam

Piñayarn by Ananas Anam is a textile fibre made from waste pineapple leaves. Production is closed-loop and the dry spinning process used requires no water or harmful chemicals. The fibre is blended with other natural fibres to create breathable and biodegradable textiles for fashion, interiors and packaging. Image Ananas Anam.

Spotlight

Parallel strand lumber (PSL)

Parallel strand lumber (PSL) is a type of structural engineered wood used in construction, interiors, furniture and products. It is made up of strands of wood bonded together with high-strength adhesive. It has very good bending and compression strength and is utilised in long-span beams, heavily loaded columns and large headers. It can be used in both interior and exterior applications. Image Weyerhaeuser.

Spotlight

Paptic wood based packaging material

Paptic wood based packaging material is made with a mix of up to 85% wood fibre and bio-based biodegradable fibre. The paper-like material is made with longer fibres than conventional paper to produce a unique set of physical and visual properties. It can be folded, printed and sealed on regular plastic conversion lines, but is disposed along with paper waste at the end of its useful life. Image Paptic.

Spotlight

Nativa wool

Nativa was launched by Chargeurs Luxury Materials, a leader in luxury combed wool. It is sourced from certified farms in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, North America, Uruguay and Argentina. They comply with strict levels of animal welfare, land management and ethical work policies. Fabrics made with Nativa are 100% traceable from farm to consumer. Image Nativa.

Spotlight

Medite Tricoya Extreme medium density fibreboard (MDF)

Medite Tricoya Extreme is a medium density fibreboard (MDF) by Roseburg with no added formaldehyde (NAF) in combination with acetylated wood fibre. This means the wood is treated with acetic anhydride, resulting in a harder, more dimensionally stable and insect resistant composite. As a result, it can be used in many applications where MDF was previously not suitable — it is guaranteed for 50 years outdoors and 25 years in ground. Image Roseburg.

Spotlight

Masonite hardboard

Masonite hardboard does not require additional adhesive – the lignin already present in the wood acts as a binder. The wet wood fibre mix is laid onto a mesh (similar to paper making) and some of the water pressed out before final high-pressure forming into a panel with heat.

Spotlight

Marmoleum linoleum by Forbo

Marmoleum linoleum by Forbo is a floor covering made with solidified linseed oil (from flax) and pine resin, reinforced with jute fibre, and filled with additives such as limestone, cork dust and wood flour. Marmoleum is made with renewable energy and materials for a sustainable and non-toxic product.

Spotlight

Limestone calcined clay cement, LC3

Limestone calcined clay cement (LC3) cement produces 30-40% less CO2 emissions compared to regular cement. The reduction is achieved by partially substituting (20-70%) clinker with calcined clay and limestone. This allows for a lower firing temperature and avoids the decomposition of limestone, which is responsible for a significant proportion of the CO2 of cement production. Clay is calcined (heated to around 800 degC, as opposed to 1,450 degC for regular cement) to make it suitable. It is widely available and compatible with modern cement manufacturing processes. While clinker is a waste product from burning coal and steel furnaces, it is not always available close to the cement factories, and the processes that generate it have come into question over sustainability concerns. Developed by Prof Karen Scrivener from EPFL in Switzerland and Prof Fernando Martirena from UCLV in Cuba, supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) and the Swiss Agency of Development and Cooperation (SDC). LC3 is in commercial production in several cement factories around the world. Image LC3.

Spotlight

Laminated veneer lumber (LVL)

Laminated veneer lumber (LVL) is a type of structural engineered wood used in construction, interiors, furniture and products. It is produced from layers of veneer glued together with high-strength adhesive. For example, spruce LVL is typically made with 3 mm thick veneers. Depending on the LVL product, veneers are laminated with the grain running parallel, or some are cross-laminated. Very large panels are possible up to 2.5 x 25 m or more. Image Puuinfo.

Spotlight

Lactips milk protein film

Lactips is a promising technology development based on 100% bio-sourced casein-based plastic-like material that is biodegradable in water and home compostable. Derived from milk protein, it is not classed as a plastic, and is being developed as a plastic-free packaging film and coating solution for paper or cardboard packaging with a view to strengthening the protection and conservation of food products without impacting their recycling or compostability. Image BASF.

Spotlight

IsoHemp hemp blocks

IsoHemp hemp blocks (also called hemplime and hempcrete) are particularly suitable for the construction of residential houses, for lining existing walls from the inside or outside, as well as for industrial and flat partitioning. It offers high thermal insulation, breathability and very low carbon footprint. Image IsoHemp.

Spotlight

Honext recycled paper construction panels

Honext recycled paper construction panels are produced from sludge waste from paper mills and post-consumer cardboard waste. The wet fibres are mixed with proprietary additives and pressed into a wet board, which is dried with heat to form the finished product. They provide an alternative to plywood, engineered wood panels and gypsum plasterboard. Image Honext.

Spotlight

GrapeSkin synthetic leather by Vegea

GrapeSkin synthetic leather by Vegea is made using by-products from wine making in Italy. The solid remains of grapes after pressing (known as pomace this include the skins, pulp, seeds and stems) are combined with vegetable oil and water-based polyurethane resin (PUR). It is coated onto cotton fabric or recycled polyester (rPET). The finished material comprises around 55% grape waste. Image MoEa.

Spotlight

Gmund Bio Cycle

Gmund Bio Cycle paper is made with a mix of wood fibre and up to 50% recycled plant fibre, such as wheat straw, grass, cotton and hemp. It is compostable and recyclable end of life. Distributed by G.F Smith. Image Gmund.

Spotlight

Glulam

Glued laminated timber (GLT) is a type of structural engineered wood used in construction, interiors, furniture and products. Parallel lengths of kiln-dried timber are laminated together to form predictable structural ceiling beams, support posts, lintels, girders and main weight-bearing structures in roofs, rafters, overhanging roof structural elements, and terrace and balcony structures. Image Arcwood.

Spotlight

Fruitleather

Fruitleather is produced from mango waste mixed with additives and finished with a waterproof coating. It is backed with organic cotton to provide strength. This vegan leather is suitable as an alternative to animal leather in many situations, including fashion, footwear and furniture applications. Image Fruitleather.

Spotlight

Forager mycelium leather by Ecovative

Forager by Ecovative is a mushroom based leather produced with their AirMycelium technology. Under controlled conditions in vertical farms, the mycelium is grown in and around agricultural byproducts to create dense tissues that mimic flesh, technical foams, or other complex structures for a wide range of applications. Image Ecovative.

Spotlight

Extract paper by G.F Smith

Extract paper by G.F Smith is produced with paper from recycled coffee cups in partnership with CupCycling. 95% of the coffee cup is paper and so can be recycled. The remaining 5% is a plastic liner, typically polyethylene (PE), which is incinerated for energy recovery in the process. Image G.F Smith.

Spotlight

Ekoa flax textiles by Lingrove

Ekoa by Lingrove includes a range of flax fibre reinforced composites suitable for processing via standard composite manufacturing techniques such as wet lay-up, compression moulding, infusion and resin transfer moulding (RTM). Flax (linen) is a renewable and sustainable fibre that offers good vibration dampening and high strength to weight in composite applications. Image Lingrove.

Spotlight

Eelgrass insulation panels by Søuld

Eelgrass insulation panels by Søuld are manufactured from sea grass washed up on the seashore. An age-old material converted with modern manufacturing. The compressed eelgrass panels provide excellent acoustic and thermal insulation, help regulate humidity, inherent fire-resistance and low susceptibility to mould and bacteria due to the naturally high content of mineral salts. Image Søuld.

Spotlight

EcoFlexy by Cellugy

EcoFlexy by Cellugy is a cellulose product made through bacterial fermentation of sugar from vegetable waste from agriculture. It has potential as a coating on paper and textiles to enhance properties for packaging applications, for example, such as providing a fossil-free, compostable and recyclable waterproof barrier. Image Cellugy.

Spotlight

EcoCork by Secil

EcoCork by Secil is a composite of cork aggregate with lime based render or plaster to create a lightweight, insulating and vapour permeable surface finish for interiors.

Spotlight

Ecoboard bio-based panel

Ecoboard bio-based panels are made with reed or straw, a byproduct of food production, bonded with no added formaldehyde (NAF) adhesive. The company claims a negative carbon footprint of -0.96 kgCO2/kg if the amount of CO2 sequestered by the raw ingredients is taken into consideration (1.87 kgCO2/kg before production starts). They can be reused and recycled end of life. Image Ecoboard.

Spotlight

Earthfilm by Sirane

Earthfilm by Sirane is a paper based packaging film that can be formed into pouches (Earthpouch). Paper is combined with bioplastic to create a recyclable and compostable alternative to regular plastic film packaging. The bioplastic coating provides a barrier to grease, oxygen and moisture, without compromising recyclability. It is also heat-sealable. Image Sirane.

Spotlight

Dry molded fiber by Pulpac

The dry molded fiber process, developed by Pulpac, removes most of the water from paper pulp moulding, which helps to increase efficiency, reduce cycle time, and minimise carbon footprint. An independently-validated LCA concluded that dry molded fibre single use cutlery had a carbon footprint of 0.66 kgCO2e/kg – at the low end of moulded pulp. The process uses regular mechanically ground wood fibre pulp, which is air laid to form a nonwoven web, barriers are applied to meet application requirements (coated for water repellency, for example), and it is hot-pressed into three-dimensional products. Applications include packaging and single use cutlery. Image Pulpac.

Spotlight

CRAiLAR hemp and flax fibre

CRAiLAR is an enzymatic process that softens bast fibers of hemp and flax in order to offer fibres similar to cotton. The Crailar process creates a softness to flax and hemp that could never be achieved before, creating products that are similar and even superior to cotton without the negative environmental effects that cotton farming can have. Image CRAiLAR.

Spotlight

Compostella wax paper

Compostella wax paper is a greaseproof packaging paper produced with a thin coating of carnauba wax. It is suitable for use with moist foods such as smoked fish, cooked ham and goat’s cheese, as well as sausage, cheese and vegetables. It is unbleached, home compostable and provides a sustainable alternative to paraffin wax-coated or plastic-laminated paper. Image Compostella.

Spotlight

Cocoform by Enkev

Cocoform by Enkev is made up of 60% coconut fibres mixed with 40% natural rubber latex and pressed into 3D shapes. It is suitable for use in things like filters, shoes, upholstery and automotive interior parts. Image Enkev.

Spotlight

Circulose regenerated cellulose fibre by Renewcell

Circulose by Renewcell is a regenerated cellulose textile produced from old cotton garments. The waste material is shredded, de-buttoned, de-zipped, de-coloured and turned into a slurry. Contaminants and other non-cellulosic content are separated and removed. The slurry is dried to produce Circulose dissolving pulp, which is used to make new cellulose fibres, such as viscose, lyocell, modal and acetate. The company launched their first factory in 2023 and was declared bankrupt in February 2024. Image Renewcell.

Spotlight

Black cork by Sofalca

Black cork by Sofalca, also known as insulation cork board (ICB), consists of 100% cork agglomerate that has been expanded in an autoclave to form a solid block bonded together with the natural resins present in the cork. Image Sofalca.

Spotlight

Biotrem

Biotrem disposal tableware is produced from edible wheat bran pressed into plates and bowls. 1 ton of bran yields around 10,000 units. At the end of their life, they are home compostable and breakdown in 30 days. Image Biotrem.

Spotlight

BioPBS biodegradable co-polyester by Mitsubishi

BioPBS polybutylene succinate (PBS) produced in a joint venture between Mitsubishi Chemical Company and PTT Global Chemical Public Company. This grade of biodegradable co-polyester is derived from biomass, such as sugarcane and cassava, and decomposes into water and CO2 with the microorganism under the soil in ambient conditions (30 degC) – it is suitable for home composting and doesn’t require any specialised facilities. PBS has relatively good heat resistance compared to other biodegradable plastics and can be converted into a fibre. It is applied as a coating to paper, such as for disposable coffee cups, as an injection moulding resin and flexible packaging. Image Mitsubishi.

Spotlight

Bcomp flax fibre composite reinforcement

Bcomp have developed flax fibre reinforcement solutions, including powerRibs and ampliTex, suitable for processing via standard composite manufacturing techniques such as wet lay-up, compression moulding, infusion and resin transfer moulding (RTM). Flax (linen) is a renewable and sustainable fibre that offers good vibration dampening and high strength to weight in composite applications. Image Bcomp.

Spotlight

Baux acoustic pulp

Baux acoustic pulp moulded panels. 100% bio-based and compostable, the pulp panels are made with wood pulp, water, wheat (for colour), potato starch, plant-based wax and acid from citrus fruit. Image Baux.

Spotlight

Tecnaro Arboform liquid wood lignin bioplastic

Arboform by Tecnaro, also called liquid wood, is made up of around 30% lignosulfonate (LS) – a byproduct of papermaking – 60% fibre and around 10% polylactic acid (PLA) additives. While preparation is not quite the same as for conventional plastics, it can be injection moulded on regular thermoplastic forming machines. The recipe depends on the requirements of the application.

Spotlight

Ampio stucco lustro

Ampio uses stucco lustro, an age-old Italian technique that creates a bright reflective interior surface. The material for stucco lustro is a mixture of slaked lime and crushed marble. It may be dyed to obtain different colours and mixed with mother of pearl, black sand, gold leaf or other natural additives to obtain a specific effects. Image Ampio.

Spotlight

Amorim expanded cork

Amorim expanded cork is used as a natural insulation in roofs, walls, floors, internal partitions and ceilings. It is made up of 100% cork, manufactured from scraps bound together with suberin (a waxy substance found in the cork cell walls). The raw materials are broken into small pieces and compressed in an autoclave (high-pressure heating chamber) at around 300 degC.

Spotlight

Agoprene seaweed foam

Agoprene seaweed foam is primarily made up of ingredients derived from Norwegian kelp, but also some minerals from crab shells and waste from the Norwegian paper industry. Under development as an alternative to petrochemical foams, it is 100% biodegradable and contains no harmful or petroleum-based chemicals. Image Agoprene.

Spotlight

Accoya acetylated wood

Accoya wood is modified radiate pine. Through a process of acetylation, the chemical structure of the wood is altered, resulting in a dimensionally stable and extremely durable timber guaranteed for 50 years above ground and 25 years in ground or freshwater. The process does not add any toxins to the environment. Image Accoya.