Sustainable Materials Research

Building a database of innovative materials, from biodegradable to circular.

Focus Areas:

  • Circularity - moving beyond recycling

  • Natural fiber application for technical garments

  • End-of-life - compostability and biodegradability

Market-ready Innovative Materials Library

Below is a selection of just a few of the innovative materials on the market available for experimentation, pilot programs or full-scale production.

Karuun
An innovative twist on a classic material - rattan. Rattan grows without human intervention and is 100% biodegradable. Karuun is based in Germany and the rattan is harvested in Indonesia.

Ecovative Forager™ Foam
An advanced, customizable foam made from 100% mycelium. The foam is breathable, insulating, water-repellent, naturally fire-resistant, and 100% compostable. Produced in NY, USA.

Pro- Stretch TENCEL™ Webbing
One of the only technical webbing options made from 100% natural fibers. The webbing uses Lenzing’s TENCEL™ lyocell fibers made from regenerated cellulosic fibers in Austria.

Freudenberg Comfortemp® Insulation
An insulation padding made from TENCEL™ fibers. This material is 100% biodegradable. Comfortemp® can replace polyester-based Power Fill. Freudenberg is based in Germany.

MIRUM® Natural Fiber Welding
A 100% plastic-free, plant-based material. With a leather-like texture it can be used for footwear, fashion, automotive, etc. NFW is based in Indiana, USA.

Amorim Cork Granules
Cork granules are a cost-effective, 100%-biodegradable padding option that could replace unnecessary applications of EVA foam or polyester. Cork trees are grown in Portugal.

FLOCUS Kapok Fibers
A line of textiles and paddings made from kapok fibers. The kapok tree grows without the need for human intervention and produce a fiber that is 100% biodegradable and naturally thermoregulating.

Desserto Cactus-Coated Yarn
A cactus-derived coating is applied to a natural fiber yarn to create a robust, water-repellent yarn that can be woven to create sturdy textiles that are naturally biodegradable. Desserto is based in Mexico.

Balena BioCir®flex
An advanced, flexible, 100% compostable thermoplastic elastomer that can replace poly-based plastics. It can be used in 3D printing, injection molding and extrusion. Balena is based in Israel.

Colorifix
A line of textiles and paddings made from kapok fibers. The kapok tree grows without the need for human intervention and produce a fiber that is 100% biodegradable and naturally thermoregulating.

So much more…

There are so many more innovative materials out there, please reach out if you’d like a materials consultation.