Circular Materials Fibre Pellets are produced from waste textiles, such as old clothes and production offcuts. The recycled fibres can be used as fibre reinforcement for plastics, such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE) and thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). The fibre-based composite is compatible with conventional plastic manufacturing processes, such as injection and compression moulding. It is suitable for a range of applications including products, packaging, point-of-sale (POS) and fashion accessories. For example, this tray in injection moulded using 25% fibre pellet and 75% recycled PP (rPP). Image Circular Materials.

Swanline Cygnus Eco Board is a fibre-based board suitable for print, graphics, packaging (including food contact) and point-of-sale (POS). It is resistant to water and moisture, and so suitable for temporary outdoor signage and short term moisture sensitive signage and packaging. It provides an alternative to plastic for graphics applications, such as polyethylene (PE) coated paper, high impact polystyrene (HIPS) and even aluminium composite panels. Available in a range of thicknesses, it is recyclable, compostable and available with up to 70% recycled content. Image Swanline.

WYRON truecycled is a mixed recycled yarn, enabling the use of blended waste fibres. This enables them to use post consumer recycled (PCR) material, because they don’t have to go through such an extensive sorting and separation process. Image WYRON.

SEFF hemp fibre for fashion and interiors, softened to resemble cotton. Image SEFF.

Oval is a plastic-free collagen skin substrate made by Pact. Created from surplus collagen (from waste fish skins and scales) and enriched with natural oils, it is 100% traceable and free of harsh chemicals. Using a patented process, cosmetic-grade collagen is converted into collagen skins. These are infused with additional oils and finished like conventional leather. Image Pact.

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.

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.

Archisonic cotton tiles by Impact Acoustic are made with cotton cellulose, a by-product of the cotton industry that would otherwise go to waste, along with other natural materials, without the use of harmful synthetic binders and chemicals. The tiles can be returned to the production process end of life. Image Impact Acoustic.

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.

Smobya NanoTwine transforms nutrients from food industry waste into nanocellulose, which is formed into sheets. Currently under development, it aims to provide an alternative to leather in fashion and interior applications. Image Smobya.

AltMat is an Alternative Materials company making fibres and yarns from agricultural waste. The fibres are made from waste from food crops like hemp oil seed, banana fruit and pineapple fruit. They are converted into high quality. textile, or blended, to make fabrics suitable for fashion and interiors. Image AltMat.

29 Acacia (formerly Fiiba) are developing fibres and textiles from banana production waste. The G9 banana tree only fruits once in its lifetime, after which it is felled and burnt and a new tree is planted in its place. The fibre they produce is aimed at replacing cotton and viscose. Image 29 Acacia.

Papillon Bleu is a traceable, regenerative organic cotton program in Southern India working directly with farmers for fair trading in partnership with Raddis Cotton and NGO GVK Society. Image Papillon Bleu.

Good Earth Cotton is a regenerative farming programme that encourages techniques and practices that enhance the ability for soil to sequester more carbon than the entire cotton growth lifecycle emits. Image Good Earth Cotton.

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.

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.

Recycled polystyrene (PS) panels, including transparent, opaque and coloured, made from waste white goods. They are suitable for furniture, interiors, retail and products. Image Plastiz.

Fibre walls by Belén for Kvadrat, 2024. In collaboration with Dynaplak and Huis Veendam, Belén developed an acoustic wall covering based on potato starch binder and wool fibre waste from Kvadrat‘s production. Wall spray and stucco application techniques have been used to create textures and smooth finishes, respectively.

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.

Vegaplac by Bark Cloth is a biocomposite material made up of agricultural waste (palm leaf residue and banana fibre, for example), bound together with bio-based polyurethane resin (bio-PUR).

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.

Birla Cellulose produce a range of bio-based fibres for textiles including rayon, viscose, modal and lyocell. Liva Revivia is made with 30% post-consumer recycled material mixed with wood pulp derived cellulose. Image Birla Cellulose.

Reeco by Tung Ga is a recycled fibre and fabric made from scraps and offcuts of linen (flax) and hemp. Image Tung Ga.

Nextevo produce fibres and textiles with pineapple leaf fibres (PALF), derived from agricultural byproducts. Image Nextevo.

Himalayan Wild Fibers produce textiles from the bast fibre of wild-harvested Himalayan giant nettle plants. Image Himalayan Wild Fibers.

Bear Fiber produce hemp fibre and hemp cotton blends for weaving and knitting. Image Bear Fiber.

Imbotex Lab use hemp, nettle, cotton and linen in their natural fibre padding and insulation, for bedding and clothing. Image Imbotex Lab.

Imbotex Lab Camelux is a blend of waste camel hair (from clothing production) and recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) produced as a high performance nonwoven insulation material. Image Imbotex Lab.

FENC Topgreen recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) is produced from post-consumer waste bottles. Converted into textile it is coloured using supercritical CO2, reducing the use of water and solvents. Image FENC (Far Eastern New Century Corporation).

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.

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.

Charlotte Werth has developed a process for dyeing textiles with Janthinobacterium lividum, a soil-dwelling bacteria. Fed on yeast extract, salt, protein and glucose, the bacteria grows and populates becoming a cloudy yellow colour. Fabric is slowly moved through the bath and is dyed purple by the bacteria. The fabric is sterilised with UV light.

Green Cast by Madreperla is 100% recycled and recyclable cast polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), acrylic, sheet. The company’s environmental product declaration (EPD) gives a carbon footprint of 2.13 kgCO2/kg for this material. It is produced with 100% R-MMA, recycled methylmethacrylate monomer produced by Madreperla in Italy. It is available in transparent, as well as a wide range of colours and finishes. Image Madreperla.

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.

Hardboard produced with the wet fibre process, which uses the wood’s natural resins to bond the fibres together. Fundermax hardboard is suitable for general construction, stiffening walls, surface finish for doors, automotive interior trim, packaging and furniture. Image Fundermax.

A natural blend of clay, loam, sand and fibres, BC Materials clay plaster and paint provide a healthy, breathable finish for internal walls and ceilings. Léém clay paint is a textured natural paint, applied on a clay plaster or existing wall. It is VOC free, breathable , circular in origin and destination, zero carbon & zero waste. Image BC Materials.

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.

ClayTec dry plasterboard, made of clay and reed, is used for covering wood and wood-based materials as well as old plaster and solid building materials. It helps to improve indoor air quality and regulate temperature. Image ClayTec.

Ecuran is a high-performance flooring made with bio-based polyurethane (bio-PUR), manufactured primarily from canola oil or castor oil, as well as minerals like chalk. It is free from plasticisers, solvents and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It is odourless and non-toxic. Image Wineo Pureline Organic Flooring.

Norafin lightweight nonwoven hemp for interior and personal hygiene applications. Blended with lyocell regenerated cellulose fibre, it has been tested in disposable personal protective equipment (PPE). Image Norafin.

Wallpaper by Norafin made with flax (linen) fibre mixed with viscose. It is decorative, insulating and renewable. Image Norafin.

Imogo have developed a precise technique for digital printing dye and finishing treatments onto textiles using spray application. Compared to conventional dyeing the Imogo process reduces water, chemical and energy consumption by more than 90%. It uses reactive dyes and is compatible with woven, knitted and nonwoven fabrics. The same technology is used to bleach cellulose based fabrics as well as apply water-based finishes to textiles. Image Imogo / Spinnova.

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.

Finex cellulose fibre by Sateri is produced with up to 50% recycled content. Their regenerated cellulose fibres are certified by TUV Austria to be biodegradable in soil, water and marine environments, as well as home compostable. Image Sateri.

IndiDye colourants are made from renewable resources primarily based on by-products and waste. No hazardous chemicals are used and they are completely free from petrochemicals. IndiDye natural plant dyes are manufactured in a water-based extraction process or by natural fermentation, and biodegradable without any chemicals that are harmful to planet or people. Image IndiDye.

AirDye is a textile transfer printing technology that uses disperse dyes printed onto a paper carrier. With heat the colour is transferred and fixed to the textile in a single pass saving an estimate 95% of the water, 86% of the energy and up to 84% greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared to conventional printing and dyeing. Image Debs.

Dyecoo developed at process for dyeing textiles using recycled CO2. The gas is heated and pressurised to make it supercritical, at which point is has similar density to liquid. A specially developed disperse dye is dissolved into it and applied to fabric. It is quicker and requires much less energy than conventional wet processes. Image Dyecoo.

PaperShell is produced with kraft paper laminated with high-strength bio-based resin (such as furan). A kind of high-pressure laminate (HPL), PaperShell have developed a technique for making 3D parts, which makes this technology suitable for a broader range of applications, spanning products, furniture and architecture. Image PaperShell.

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.

Kintra polybutylene succinate (PBS), bio-based and biodegradable polyester fibre, is produced from the fermentation of sugars derived from wheat and corn. PBS is tuneable and can be spun on the same equipment used for polyester (PET). While its performance is similar to polyester and nylon, it biodegrades in industrial composting environments. Image Kintra.

Nanollose produce a tree-free lyocell regenerated cellulose fibre called Nullarbor. Unlike conventional regenerated cellulose fibre, Nullarbor is produced using microbes that convert waste products into microbial cellulose. This provides the raw material for lyocell fibre production. Image Nanollose.

Samsara Eco have developed an almost closed loop process that uses enzymes to attack plastic waste and revert it to its original chemical building blocks. These monomers can be used to make new plastics without any loss of quality. So far they have developed this depolymerisation technique for polyamide (PA), nylon, and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester. Image Samsara Eco.

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 polyester is recovered from the mixed waste and converted into TPA and MEG, the building blocks required for new polyester. Image Circ.

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.

Ambercycle have developed a chemical recycling process that converts waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester, fibre and textiles into raw materials without any loss of quality. Image Ambercycle.

Blocktexx have developed a chemical recycling technology capable of handling difficult to recycle fabrics made up of cotton and polyester, such as the popular polycotton. Everyday items, such as sheets and clothing, are chemically separated, using a process they call SOFT (separation of fibre technology), to yield raw materials for new textiles and products. Image Blocktexx.

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.

Archroma take mixed waste textiles including cellulose, nylon and their blends, and convert these into dyestuff. The colours are synthesised with a minimum content of 50% waste-based raw material. The FiberColors range comprises of five dyes, covering a palette of natural shades including brown, olive, bordeaux, blue-grey and dark grey. Image Archroma.

EarthColors by Archroma is a unique process that extracts colour from non-edible agricultural or herbal byproducts, such as waste leaves and nutshells. Image Archroma.

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.

Uluu polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), biodegradable polyester, is produced using farmed seaweed feedstock. Image Uluu.

Mylea mushroom leather, made with mycelium, by Mycotech Lab MYCL. Image Mycotech Lab.

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.

Ecopel Koba faux fur is produced using DuPont Sorona, a partially bio-based polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT), polyester fibre, with up to one-third renewable ingredients.

Ecopel Flur is a plant-based and biodegradable faux fur, free from petrochemicals, and utilising natural dyes, according to Ecopel. Image Ecopel.

Polygood panels are manufactured by the Good Plastic Company using 100% post consumer recycled polystyrene (rPS). Image Good Plastic Company.

FabBRICK convert textile waste into tiles, bricks and boards suitable for wall coverings or as finished products such as furniture, interior decoration. Textiles are shredded, mixed with bio-based adhesive and compressed into bricks. Image FabBRICK.

Other Matter is an experimental design studio setup by Jessie French offering algae-based bioplastic products, objects, screens and decals. Decals made with seaweed provide an alternative to the conventional polyvinyl chloride (PVC) used for shops, signage and exhibitions. Image Other Matter / Jessica Maurer.

Modern Meadow produce a synthetic leather they call Bio-Vera using a mix of recycled and bio-based ingredients. The scaffold structure is created with recycled car tyres. This is infused with Bio-Alloy, which is a mix of plant-based proteins and bio-polyurethane (PUR). A soy-based coating (Bio-Alloy Shield) provides the waterproof and breathable top layer. Image Modern Meadow.

Sqim Ephea is a flexible mycelium material that offers a sustainable alternative to animal leather and synthetic materials. Image Sqim.

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.

Mogu fabricate modular acoustic panels for interior applications with mycelium grown on a matrix of agricultural residue. Image Mogu.

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.

Green Whisper banana fibre is produced from waste banana trunks, leftover from food production, and mixed with a percentage of cotton. 100% bio-based and biodegradable. Image Green Whisper.

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.

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.

Parvati Valley Hemp Company produce hemp fibre for paper, textiles, garments, hempcrete building materials and lightweight composites. Image Parvati Valley Hemp Company.

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.

Circular Systems Agraloop Biofibre is a textile fibre produced from agricultural products and leftovers, such as hemp, flax, banana and pineapple. Image Circular Systems

Circular Systems Texloop is a global platform that reclaims pre-consumer cotton textile waste and upgrades it into high quality RCOT recycled cotton fibre. The recycling processes used preserve as much of the original fibre as possible, maintaining its quality for the next generation of recycled materials. Image Circular Systems.

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.

Banofi, Ban-o-Fi (banana fibre leather), plant-based leather is made with 50% banana fibres, 30% agricultural waste additives and 20% plastic. The textile is suitable for fashion, furniture, automotive and packaging applications. Image Banofi.

Smile Plastics Heron collection of recycled sheet materials, produced from high impact polystyrene (HIPS) white goods. Smile Plastics take in waste materials and convert them into large sheets suitable for interior and furniture projects. Image Smile Plastics.

Smile Plastics Earth collection of recycled sheet materials, produced from polyethylene terephthalate (rPET), polyester, packaging. Smile Plastics take in waste materials and convert them into large sheets suitable for interior and furniture projects. Image Smile Plastics.

Foresso timber terrazzo is produced with a mix of wood waste and bio-based epoxy (bio-EP). It is produced by casting and is machined to the desired shape and finish. As a sheet material, it is suitable for interiors and furniture. Image Foresso.

Karuun is a composite made up of 97.5% rattan mixed with adhesive, acrylic-based binder and pigments. It is suitable for use in furniture, interiors and products. Image Karuun.

The Kenoteq K-Briq is produced from recycled materials – such as plasterboard, brick, stone, rubble and mortar – mixed with a non-toxic binder. The mix is compressed at high pressure and cured, as opposed to being fired like conventional clay products. The use of recycled material and eliminating firing helps to ensure minimal energy and CO2 emissions. The building brick a carbon footprint of only 0.02 kgCO2, which equals around 1 kg CO2/m2. This is 95% less than a conventional clay brick or slip. Image Kenoteq.

Plasticiet recycled polystyrene (rPS) panels are produced from waste refrigerators and other industrial scrap. Image Plasticiet.

Sustaign produce handmade recycled polypropylene (rPP) panels with marbled colour effects. The material is suitable for furniture, wall covering, counter tops, products and retail. Image Sustaign.

Ostrea is made up of 65% shells – such as oysters or mussels, which are byproducts of food production – coupled with a mineral matrix, which can be cut and shaped like marble or stone. It is suitable for interiors such as floors, walls, counter tops, kitchens, bathrooms, table tops and furniture. Image Ostrea.

Papertile wall covering tiles are made with 100% post consumer recycled paper. The product was created by Jasna Sokolovic and Noel O’Connell, founding partners of Dear Human. It is made with waste paper, which is shredded, pulped, pressed into tiles, dried and printed. Image Papertile.

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.

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.

Magna Glaskeramik panels are made with recycled glass – specifically industrial waste from the production of packaging and solar panels. The sheet materials, which are suitable for furniture and facades, for example, have a maximum dimension of 2800 x 1250 mm (up to 3500 x 1500 mm on request) and a standard thickness of 20 mm (15-40 mm available on request). Image Magna.

Mosaicomicro recycled glass tiles by Nerosicilia are produced from waste cathode ray tube monitors. The glass is powdered and mixed with clay to become the raw material for mosaic tiles. The individual chips are moulded, fired and assembled into mosaic tiles. Image Nerosicilia.

Fabula convert food waste into new materials through a process of grinding and compression moulding with heat. By changing the drying and powdering method, and the temperature during the heat-pressing, a variety of colour, texture and aroma can be achieved. Image Fabula.

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.

Denimtex convert waste denim into a stucco wall covering. The textile waste is shredded and mixed with bio-based adhesive. It is sound-absorbing, fire-retardant, moisture-regulating and suitable for almost every surface. Image Denimtex.

Recycrom by Officina+39 is a full range of pigment powders using textile fibres from used clothing and manufacturing waste. Through a unique process, fabric textile waste fibres are transformed into an incredibly fine powder that can be used as a pigment dye for fabrics and garments made of cotton, wool, nylon or any natural fibre and blends. Image Officina+39.

Midori-Bio coatings produced from algae and plant seed oil enhance the performance of textiles. With 55-94% bio-based content, they are optimised to provide wicking, anti-odour or water-repellent properties. They work well on synthetics, providing an alternative to polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and fluoropolymer coatings in fashion applications. Image Midori-Bio.

The Food Textile project takes waste food products and converts them into dye that is compatible with cotton fabrics. Image Food Textile.

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.

Solvay Amni Soul Eco polyamide 66 (PA66), nylon fibre, with accelerated decomposition in landfill and marine environments, designed to reduce the environmental impact of microplastics generated in laundry that end up in marine environments. It contains an additive that activates the accelerated decomposition of its microplastics. Image Fulgar.

Nurel Neride Bio polyamide 6 (bio-PA6), nylon fibre, is designed to biodegrade in landfill and marine environments. This reduces the potential for microplastics to become pollution during the washing and disposal of textiles. However, anaerobic biodegradation can lead to the production of methane, which must be managed properly as it is a potent greenhouse gas (GHG). Image Nurel.

Evo bioplastic by Fulgar is made with a not for feeding castor oil plant grown spontaneously — a renewable resource that does not require high amounts of water nor subtracts arable land for food uses. The fibre is lightweight, moisture wicking and resilient, and available in a range of vivid colours. Image Fulgar.

Valérius 360 recycle cutting waste, overproduction & unsold stocks to produce yarns, jersey fabrics and garments. The waste material is shredded and mixed with lyocell regenerated cellulose or virgin organic cotton and spun into new yarn. Image Valérius 360.

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.

Pangaia Plntfiber is a blend of bamboo lyocell regenerated cellulose with hemp and Himalayan nettle. Developed in collaboration between RDD Textiles and Pangaia. Image Pangaia.

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.

Upparel UPtex is a nonwoven recycled textile, compressed into lightweight panels with heat. It is 100% recycled and fully recyclable end of life. It can be produced at an array of densities and thicknesses from 3-100 mm depending on the required application. This ranges from soft cushioning to rigid panels, such as for packaging, signage, homewares and acoustic insulation. Image Upparel.

Providing an alternative to virgin polyester fill, such as for cushions and toys, Upparel FillUP is produced from recycled textile fibres. Image Upparel.

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.

Vesta composite wood panels by Arauco are produced using an ultra low emitting formaldehyde (ULEF) adhesive and 100% recycled or recovered wood content (predominately Douglas fir). Image Arauco.

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.

Thermory thermowood thermally modified timber (TMT) includes a range of wood types that have been physically and chemically modified with heat. Durability is increased and biological resistance to pests and microorganisms is enhanced, without the use of chemical preservatives and insecticides. Many different species of wood are suitable include pine, spruce, ash, aspen and oak.

Theptex organic latex foam for bedding, padding and packaging. Image Theptex.

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.

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.

SuperOrganic natural wall covering by Oberflex is made from organic grass, flower petals, wood straw and agricultural byproducts, for example. Image Oberflex.

Soyad soy-based adhesive technology by Solenis is used in the production of no added formaldehyde (NAF) plywood and engineered wood by Columbia Forest Products. It is made up of 70-90% bio-based ingredients. Image Columbia Forest Products.

Sorona by DuPont is a partially bio-based polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT), polyester. With up to one-third renewable ingredients, it is available as a polyester fibre and injection moulded compound. As such it is suitable for a range of applications, from interior textiles and carpets to faux fur, through product housings and engineering components. Image DuPont.

SÖKTAŞ naturally coloured cotton avoids the process of dyeing – the most polluting part of the textile production process – thereby avoiding all of the associated water and chemical use. Image SÖKTAŞ.

Bio-Fluff Savian faux fur is a mixture of cellulose and bast fibres. They transform materials such as nettle, hemp and flax – approximately 50% of which can be sourced from agricultural waste streams – into luxurious textile fibre that mimics fur, fleece and shearling. Image Bio-Fluff.

Rezign bio-based and recycled panels are made with waste textile, flax, hemp and starch-based biodegradable binder. Available in a range of formats, they are suitable for furniture, interiors and acoustic panels. Image Rezign.

Pureglue plywood manufactured by Panguaneta is produced with no added formaldehyde (NAF). Image MDF-faced poplar plywood. Image Panguaneta.

Purebond plywood manufactured by Columbia Forest Products is produced with no added formaldehyde (NAF) – a high-strength soy-based adhesive is used to bond the veneers. It is an interior grade and as such cannot tolerate high humidity or exposure to water outdoors. Image Columbia Forest Products.

Procel by Natural Material Studio is handmade from protein-based bioplastic, mixed with softening agents, pigments and additives. Here it is used as hanging screens in the Åben brewery restaurant, Copenhagen, made with waste from the Åben brewing process that takes place just down the road.

Plyboo engineered wood panels by Smith and Fong use bamboo in place of wood, bonded with ultra-low emitting formaldehyde (ULEF) adhesive. Bamboo grows with little to no fertilisers, pesticides or irrigation. It is FCS (Forest Stewardship Council) certified and provides a sustainable alternative to wood. Image Smith and Fong.

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.

Piñatex partially bio-based leather-like fabric by Ananas Anam is made up of a nonwoven fabric with 80% pineapple fibre from waste pineapple leaves mixed with 20% polylactic acid (PLA), coated with polyurethane resin (PUR). Image Ananas Anam.

Nexis partially bio-based polyamide 610 (bio-PA610), nylon fibre, is made with sebacic acid derived from castor oil. It contains 63% bio-based monomer. Image Nexis.

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.

MycoComposite by Ecovative is a mushroom material that uses mycelium and agricultural waste to create lightweight composite panels suitable for packaging and interiors. They can be grown as flat panels, or directly into 3D forms such as to make mushroom packaging. Image DelOS.

Mycl Composite by Mycotech Lab is a biodegradable composite made from mushroom mycelium and agricultural waste that grows into 3D shapes. It is used for creating products, interiors, installations and furniture. Image Mycotech Lab.

Mirum plant leather by Natural Fiber Welding is plastic-free and made with natural rubber, plant-based oil, natural pigments, and minerals. Image by Natural Fiber Welding (NFW).

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.

Kvadrat Really materials are produced from recycled textiles collected from production waste, industrial laundries, the fashion industry and Kvadrat’s production and supply chain. The textiles are sorted by colour and re-milled in Denmark. Subsequently, the fibres are either blended into standard products or used to create a nonwoven base for Kvadrat Really materials, such as acoustic solutions and panels for furniture and interiors. The compressed panels are made with 9% bio-based polypropylene (bio-PP) and 17% bio-based polyethylene (bio-PE) binder. Image Kvadrat.

Kelsun by Keel Labs is a textile fibre based on seaweed bioplastic. It is made with over 75% kelp, which goes through an extraction process to isolate the biopolymer. It is combined with proprietary additives to make it look and feel like a fashion textile, and spun into filaments. Image Keel Labs.

Infinna (Infinited Fiber Company) take mixed textile waste with high cotton (or cellulose) content and chemically recycle it with urea to produce new regenerated cellulose carbamate fibre. A range of fabrics are possible, from 50-100% Infinna, including denim, jersey, terry and woven fabric. Image Infinna.

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.

HempWood engineered flooring by Fibonacci is a durable flooring product that is made with a no-added formaldehyde (NAF) soy-based adhesive resin system. The flooring product consists of a 4 mm HempWood veneer bonded to a 12 mm hardwood Purebond plywood manufactured by Columbia Forest Products, also made with NAF soy-based adhesive resin. Image HempWood.

Green Blade banana trunk veneer by FIBandCO. A byproduct of banana production, the trunks are sliced and converted into veneer without the use of adhesive. Image FIBandCO.

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.

Foxfibre is a naturally coloured organic cotton from Sally Fox who was the first to grow organic cotton at scale in US. The cotton breeds she has developed grow in a range of colours and so avoid all the nasty chemicals and water usage associated with dyeing. Image Sally Fox.

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.

Fibralux NAF medium density fibreboard (MDF) produced by Unilin is made with recycled fibres (including MDF panels) and uses no added formaldehyde (NAF) adhesive. Image Unilin.

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.

Econyl by Aquafil is a regenerated polyamide (PA), nylon, coming entirely from waste that is chemically recycled. This innovative technique is different from conventional mechanical recycling and it guarantees the same quality as standard nylon. Image Aquafil.

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.

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.

Durabella terrazzo by Duracryl is a decorative terrazzo floor finish, made of a coloured bio-based binder (biopolymer from castor oil) and marble, calcium carbonate, glass and other non-toxic materials.

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.

CornWall bio-based tiles by Front (formerly StoneCycling) are produced primarily from corn waste using a process developed by Circular Matters. 99.5% bio-based (the 0.5% pigment is biodegradable synthetic) they provide a low-carbon and non-toxic option for interior cladding.

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.

Cambia thermally modified timber (TMT) includes a range of wood types that have been physically and chemically modified with heat. Durability is increased and biological resistance to pests and microorganisms is enhanced, without the use of chemical preservatives and insecticides. Cambia thermally modified timber includes American-grown ash and poplar. Image Cambia.

Copper mining and smelting have a significant carbon footprint. The global average, according to the International Copper Association (ICA), is 2.3 kgCOe/kg. Boliden low-carbon copper, produced with renewable energy and recycled contents (up to 100%), has a reduced carbon footprint of 1.5 kgCO2e/kg. The primary raw material for Boliden’s recycled copper is used electronics. Image Boliden.

Biomason biocement is made with calcium carbonate (CaCO3) produced by microorganisms and provides an alternative to Portland cement. Through a process of microbiologically induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP), microorganisms react with chemical components to produce minerals suitable as binding agents. As well as having potential as a building material, it is used for reinforcing soils, such as is important for transport infrastructure and sea defences. As an example, Biolith is a precast product consisting of approximately 85% natural aggregate and 15% biocement material. Image Biomason.

BioBasedTiles by Front (formerly StoneCycling) made with Biomason biocement. With good strength to weight, they offer a low-carbon alternative to Portland cement pre-cast products. Image Front.

Bio-Glass is a glass panel made from 100% recycled material by Coverings Etc. It is suitable for counters, vanities, walls, bathrooms, exterior cladding and floors. Image Coverings Etc.

Baux acoustic wood wool cement board made from wood, cement and water. While it has very good acoustic properties for ceiling and walls, it also helps regulate indoor temperature and humidity. Image Baux.

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.

Bark Tex Ugandan barkcloth (tapa textile) from the mutuba tree, produced by beating the bark into a thin flexible sheet, coloured with plant dyes.

Bananatex fabric is produced from 100% abaca banana fibre. The natural white colour reflects the actual colour of the fibres and is not dyed. An all-natural wax coating can be applied to make the fabric waterproof without compromising its sustainability. Image Bananatex.

Banana Sylk textile fibre by Embroid is made with fibres extracted from the stem of the banana plant. Sourced from the Southern Eastern State of Tamil Nadu, India’s largest producer of bananas, the fibres are extracted mechanically which avoids the use of chemicals. Image Embroid.

AppleSkin by Vegatex is a synthetic leather produced with a mix of plant-based materials (by-product of apple processing for the beverage industry) mixed with water-based polyurethane resin (PUR) on a Tencel Lyocell, or recycled polyester (rPET), textile backing. Similar materials from Vegatex include LemonSkin made with by-products of apples and lemons from the beverage industry, and BarleySkin made from brewer’s spent grains. Image Vegatex.

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.

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.

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.