Sustainable Materials for Design

While our focus and main area of interest may be in e-textiles, we are always discovering new materials to apply our technology to. Recently, we collaborated with Lingrove, a materials and design firm focused on plant-based fibers and resins, to create a multi-function demonstrator. This demonstrator combines our patented LEL (LOOMIA Electronic Layer) technology with Lingrove’s Ekoa ® plant-based composite. This technology can be used in a wide variety of applications—from automotive interiors to home furnishings. Since working on this project, we have been inspired to find other sustainable materials for modern designs, and we would like to share some of our favorites.

Recycled Leather 

Image: Lensvelt

Recycled leather is a wonderful material for several reasons, beyond its sustainability. It is easier to care for than standard leather, it looks and feels just like standard leather, and it is often less expensive. Several designers and companies are jumping on the bandwagon for these reasons. Designer Richard Hutton and Dutch furniture brand Lensvelt designed seating for Schipol Airport’s waiting areas. The upholstery for the seating is made entirely from e-leather, which consists of industry offcuts diverted from landfills. This method of materials manufacturing emits 95% less carbon than standard leather and is bonded using water—instead of chemicals--that can be reused down the line.

Solidwool

Image: Remodelista

This gorgeous, state-of-the-art composite material was created back in 2013, and is made of layers of compacted British wool. A bio-resin is used to seal the layers and create a material reminiscent of fiberglass. Solidwool wants its material to be considered a sustainable alternative to other reinforced plastics and composites on the market. As for use cases, this material can be used for interiors, furniture, accessories, and much more. Inspired by the iconic Earnes lounge chair, the Hembury Chair designed by Hannah and Justin Floyd is a timeless piece that can fit into any space.

Cork

Image: Inhabitat

Believe it or not, cork can be used for more than just wine bottle stoppers. Over the last few years, this material has become increasingly prevalent in product and industrial design; not just because of its lightweight nature, but its environmentally-friendly properties. The substance used to produce cork comes from a tree called the Quercus Suber and is extracted. This means that no trees need to be cut down! One of our favorite designs utilizing cork is the Short-Circuit Cork Collection appliances made by Gaspard Tiné-Berès, a student at the Royal College of Art in London.

Bamboo 

Image: Impecca

Bamboo is one of the best wood alternatives, besides Ekoa ®. It grows quickly, so it can be harvested in massive quantities, and it removes more CO2 from the air than most other plants. In product design, it can be used for lighting fixtures, home products, flooring, furniture, and the list goes on. As for products utilizing bamboo, we love the bamboo wireless keyboard from Impecca. It has an organic, yet contemporary feel to it that just makes doing work seem more enjoyable! Bamboo is also being explored for use in automotive interiors, such as trim, car dashboards, interfaces, and consoles.

Bioplastic

Image: Inhabitat

Bioplastics, which are made from renewable sources such as corn, are great for a few reasons: They biodegrade, conserve fossil fuels, and reduce waste across the board. They are typically used in packaging; however, researchers have been looking into their use in electronics such as circuit boards, device casings, and appliances. Back in 2009, Sprint and Samsung joined forces to make a biodegradable phone made of corn. While this design may not have stuck around, we would love to see it make a return (ahem, Apple).

Raw Cotton

Image: FOLK Reykjavik

Textile company Kvadrat developed a textile board made from recycled raw cotton, and it can be used in furniture and interiors. The raw, end-of-life cotton fibers are recycled and then pressed into the boards. These boards absorb sound and have a minimal aesthetic that makes them perfect for any office or studio space. The wool and cotton textile board has been used for shelving units in stores, as well as furniture pieces like the Upcycled Side Table by designer Jon Helgi Holmgeirsson.  

It is promising to see designers prioritizing sustainability in their work, and materials manufacturers finding new ways to make composite materials more eco-friendly. However, we have a long way to go and so much more to discover and learn about; especially when it comes to electronic textiles. We highly recommend checking out our recent article on e-textiles and e-waste if you have not already, and we encourage you to keep the conversation going while the momentum is here.  

We always enjoy hearing about new materials to apply our technology. Do you produce innovative materials, or know of a company that manufactures them? Send us a DM on Instagram or email mary@loomia.com to keep us up to date on the latest and greatest!