Revolutionary bio-based materials took center stage at Dutch Design Week

Bio-based water-resistant textile fibers

Textile pollution and the environmental impact of the fashion industry have come under intense scrutiny. Aalto University's Helena Sederholm is working on a pioneering project to address these concerns. By leveraging the Ioncell® process, Sederholm's team produces textile fibers that combine cellulose and lignin, derived from wood, resulting in water-resistant and naturally colored textiles suitable for outdoor clothing and sportswear.

Cellugami

The Cellugami project, spearheaded by Laureen Mahler, presents an intriguing fusion of materials design and origami techniques. Using plant-based materials, this project explores the creation of biodegradable and functional packaging alternatives. By focusing on sustainable sources and reusability, Cellugami promises to revolutionize the way we view and use packaging materials.

Biodegradable and biocompatible interactive textiles

Sofia Guridi and Matteo Iannacchero are researching bio-based smart textiles capable of sensing and adapting to environmental changes. These innovative textiles combine Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) with biocompatible conductive yarns, resulting in touch-sensing woven pieces that are both interactive and eco-friendly. The project also highlights the need for biodegradability and life cycle considerations of these materials.

Revolutionary textile coating

Sarah Babaeipour's cutting-edge research is centered around a breakthrough textile coating that combines antibacterial and water-repellent properties with breathability, non-toxicity, and sustainability. By using lignin derivatives and natural wax particles, the project develops liquid that can be coated onto fabrics, enhancing their hydrophobicity and self-cleaning abilities. This sustainable, fully bio-based approach has far-reaching applications across various industries.

Wheat straw

Researchers Nicole Nygren, Kavindra Kesari, and Associate Professor Michael Hummel's research team have harnessed the Ioncell® process to convert wheat straw into textile fibers. This sustainable approach repurposes agricultural waste, resulting in a bright, soft fabric suitable for clothing and technical applications. The project holds significant potential as wheat straw processing is set to scale up, offering an eco-friendly solution. The wheat straw pulp is provided by Fortum Oyj.

In another wheat straw project, ChemArts students Tiina Otala, Tuomas Laakkonen, and Tam Nguyen explored how wheat straw could be transformed into hard materials, for example into biodegradable single-use utensils or dishes. These eco-friendly utensils, made from compressed straw fines, are water-resistant and biodegradable. The raw material was provided by Fortum Oyj, which is aiming to scale up its wheat straw processing by 2028. 

Wood

Recognizing the need for sustainable bedding solutions during natural disasters, Giorgia Morandi, Lorenz Koch, Kristian Koleno, and Natasa Hódosi have developed the BioMAT Mattress. These lightweight foam mattresses, crafted from wood pulp, water, and biobased soap, offer biodegradability and ease of production, making them ideal for emergency relief efforts. The project addresses environmental concerns associated with conventional foam mattresses.

Spruce cone art

Iines Jakovlev's artistic design project takes inspiration from spruce cones, using them to create visually enchanting material samples and pieces of art. Using biodegradable materials and plenty of patience, this project explores the potential of natural and local materials in aesthetic design.

Coffee innovations

Valenti Soler's project repurposes coffee producer Paulig’s coffee waste, combining it with wood-based cellulose derivatives to create materials for interior architecture and furniture industries. The project explores a sustainable alternative for hard materials for boards and soft and flexible foams.

In a separate initiative, Andrzej Tarasiuk combines coffee waste and discarded local wool to create semi-rigid acoustic panels with the potential to absorb sound frequencies, regulate indoor humidity, and purify indoor air. The project aims to reduce wool waste and promote sustainable acoustic solutions.

Algae projects

Nina Riutta's Algae Hat project explores the potential of Cladophora Glomerata, a polluting algae in the Baltic Sea, for playful, single-use applications. The Algae hat can be easily made at home and composted or reused when no longer needed, addressing environmental concerns related to excessive algae growth.

In another project, Laura Rusanen transforms Cladophora Glomerata into speculative textiles, highlighting the ecological issues associated with its rapid growth in the Baltic Sea. By mixing the algae with wood-based nanocellulose and cellulose derivatives, Rusanen creates accessories with experimental techniques.