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Materials Focus 2018

Considered Environment

Using a combination of primitive and modern industrial processing techniques, creatives are exploring natural and waste materials as the starting point for new environmentally considered projects. Using pollutants in a positive way is key to the future of sustainable design. The two important topics in this theme are Harnessing Natural Resources and Reducing Pollution.

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Published:
14 Jun 2016
BY: Lauren Chiu
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02 Aug 2016
Rethinking Plastics: Circular Consumption
Rethinking Plastics: Circular Consumption Rethinking Plastics Circular Economy principles are setting out new blueprints for plastics. With zero tolerance for waste becoming a mainstream mindset, we look at the pioneering, cross-industry collaborations and empowering tools and initiatives set to deliver sustainable change at local and mass levels.
Product Design
Packaging
29 Jul 2016
New Earth Materials
New Earth Materials New Earth Materials Satellite imagery of the Earth, geological strata and seismic data are influencing a new wave of material and surface design that transposes dramatic landscapes and elemental materials into domestic interiors and commercial spaces. Designers reconsider commonplace materials such as sand, minerals and stone to develop new processes and innovative products.
Colour & Materials
Materials
22 Jul 2016
Sustainable Wardrobes
Sustainable Wardrobes Sustainable Wardrobes The fashion and textile industry is the world’s second biggest polluter after oil, and one third of the clothing manufactured is never even sold. Now that consumers are beginning to accept responsibility for their own footprint – opting for a more pared back, simplified wardrobe – retailers and brands must engage in sustainability strategies, or risk being left behind.
Fashion
Fashion Lifestyle
18 Jul 2016
Adaptable Fashion: Mode in Flux
Adaptable Fashion: Mode in Flux Adaptable Fashion: Mode in Flux The Roca London Gallery has unveiled Mode in Flux – a new exhibition exploring notions of adaptability in fashion design that questions issues of desirability, functionality and sustainability.
Fashion
Womenswear
05 Jul 2016
Human Hair: Alternative Surface Treatment
Human Hair: Alternative Surface Treatment Human Hair: Alternative Surfaces Hailing from London’s Royal College of Arts, Design Products graduates Fabio Hendry and Martijn Rigters have looked to human hair – and its abundance as a material – as a way of creating a sustainable surface treatment for metals.
Colour & Materials
Applications
30 Jun 2016
Biodegradable Algae Packaging
Biodegradable Algae Packaging Biodegradable Algae Packaging Japanese design collective AMAM has created a zero-waste packaging concept made from agar – a jelly-like substance extracted from marine algae, which is traditionally used in food and confectionery in Japan.
Colour & Materials
Packaging & Graphics
26 May 2016
Colour A/W 17/18
Colour A/W 17/18 Colour A/W 17/18 Evolving from our Autumn/Winter 2017/18 Colour Spectrum, we examine the key hues for our A/W 17/18 Product Design Directions – Indicate, Balance and Adapt.
Product Design
Overview
25 Mar 2016
Packaging Futures 2016-17: Sustainability
Packaging Futures 2016-17: Sustainability Packaging Futures: Sustainability The sustainable packaging market provides an opportunity for savvy brands to future-proof their businesses amid growing environmental need and consumer concern. Transparency remains key as shoppers seek clarity of credentials, while fresh redesigns instil ingenuity and additional practicality. Manufacturers pursue new material sources and closed-loop approaches to ensure future security.
Product Design
Packaging Futures 2016-17
12 Jan 2016
New Noble
New Noble New Noble Eco-conscious attitudes are influencing a new wave of luxury materials. Designers are embracing engineering methods and creating innovative composites, which repurpose natural materials and industrial waste in exquisite creations. Fashion materials are reimagined with a sustainable approach – from source to end of life, while accents of imperfection add value to high-end product.
Colour & Materials
Materials Focus 2017-18
20 Nov 2015
Rust: Metal Composite Ceramics
Rust: Metal Composite Ceramics Rust: Metal Composite Ceramics London-based designer Ariane Prin has designed a collection of oxidised and corroded pots, tray and vases made using reclaimed metal dust.
Colour & Materials
Applications
28 Aug 2015
New Naturals
New Naturals New Naturals Natural composites derived from by-products of the manufacturing and agricultural industries are becoming more sophisticated and advanced. Inventive approaches to sustainable source materials and processing methods are revealing exciting product opportunities. Here, we take a look at the new material qualities surfacing, and the value they hold for product and industry alike. 
Colour & Materials
Materials
18 Aug 2015
Water: Sustaining Supplies
Water: Sustaining Supplies Water: Sustaining Supplies Shifting climate patterns and demands from a growing population are increasing concerns over water security. But advanced technology is enabling brands and consumers to prepare for future crises, encouraging positive consumer behaviour, and providing clean water for all. 
Product Design
Business & Industry News
31 Jul 2015
Untapped Resources
Untapped Resources Untapped Resources Innovation drives material developments into new domains as designers seek to maximise the potential of untapped matter. Building on our rationale Resource, we see a shift in perception as the status of low-value materials is elevated through the creation of smart and sustainable composites. 
Colour & Materials
Materials
15 Dec 2014
A Greener Clean
A Greener Clean A Greener Clean Taking an eco approach to laundry and cleaning, major brands are turning away from excessive chemical use towards transparent product models that consider alternative methods or greener ingredients, and approaches that conserve water and lessen environmental impact.
Product Design
Product Innovation
11 Dec 2014
Resource
Resource Resource Revolutionising our approach to sourcing materials is becoming ever more important, as sustainable practices and the augmentation of existing natural materials lead innovation. New composite materials enable flexible and crafted designs, while big-brand initiatives drive sustainable composites and compostable textiles for fashion. Parallel to this, synthetic waste is honed and appreciated as a material in itself.
Colour & Materials
Materials
18 Nov 2014
Super-Smart
Super-Smart Super-Smart Adaptive and smart materials are leading the latest innovations. Technical advancement and ingenious structural design achieve lightweight and adaptive frameworks. Meanwhile, the natural world inspires new smart technologies that are able to modify themselves when necessary.
Colour & Materials
Materials Focus 2016-17
18 Nov 2014
Deactivate
Deactivate Deactivate Deactivate focuses on materials that aim to help us find balance in our constantly connected, technology-driven lives. Metallic fibres and coatings are seen applied to compelling projects in an effort to disconnect users from their devices. Designers and specialists encourage mindful technology use and look towards innovations within sustainable energy generation and manufacturing processes.
Colour & Materials
Materials Focus 2016
27 May 2014
Edible Water Bottle
Edible Water Bottle Edible Water Bottle Three London-based design students have created an edible packaging concept that seeks to replace the traditional water bottle.
Product Design
Packaging
31 Mar 2014
Repurpose
Repurpose Repurpose The definition of material is broadening as creatives seek sustainable alternatives to diminishing resources, deriving materials from unusual byproducts and waste. As established industrial processes and methods of making are re-evaluated, a simpler approach emerges, with plastics in particular being reinvigorated.
Colour & Materials
Materials Focus 2015-16
03 Dec 2013
Doing Without Water
Doing Without Water Doing Without Water Across the world, water scarcity is becoming an increasingly crucial issue – not only for public health and sanitation, but for the businesses and industries that rely on a steady affordable supply. We look at the latest initiatives aiming to tackle the problem.
Consumer Lifestyle
Science & Technology
26 Nov 2012
Smart Nature
Smart Nature Smart Nature Smart Nature spotlights the potential of undeveloped, sustainable natural materials with a low environmental impact, from hemp and coconut husk fibres to organic byproducts and stone composites. Stylus examines how low-tech production methods and fewer industrial processes are crucial to the utilisation of these new materials.
Colour & Materials
Materials Focus 2014
14 Jun 2012
Unlocking Algae
Unlocking Algae Unlocking Algae It ranges from microscopic single-celled plants to towering kelp forests, and is found everywhere from the deep oceans to mountain lakes. Algae have existed on earth for three billion years, but it is only relatively recently that the amazing properties are being explored. Rich in oil and nutrients, algae can provide food and fuel while consuming pollution and carbon dioxide, but the challenges to large-scale development are daunting. Stylus explores the latest attempts to unlock algae’s true potential.
Consumer Lifestyle
Science & Technology
11 Apr 2012
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