Yunting Lin: Nanocellulose Fibreboard

As seen at the Royal College of Art’s graduate show (June 25 to July 5 2015), Yunting Yin has developed a nanocellulose fibreboard material as a sustainable alternative to MDF (medium-density fibreboard). 

The material is made up of plant fibres such as flax and naturally fermented nanocellulose, making it 100% recyclable and biodegradable. The nanocellulose fibreboard is highly mouldable and requires less manufacturing energy than plastic. This makes the material an ideal substitute for high-turnaround consumer electronic products. Colouring the material can also be controlled within the manufacturing process and doesn’t require laminating or painting, as the material has a natural hard-sheen finish.

Yin has demonstrated the material’s potential through a number of products, including electronic Bluetooth speakers, interior wall panels and a modular storage system.

See our Materials Focus 2016-17 rationale Resource for more on new sustainable innovations driven by natural materials. Also look out for our global graduate show coverage, coming soon.