Synthetic materials such as plastic and nylon transformed the world in the previous century. But many of them have become this century’s environmental problems. While recycling is beneficial, better solutions are emerging with new bio-based materials. That use waste to replace single-use plastics, unsustainable textiles, and chemical fertilizers.
Our material world must undergo a radical transformation, and new bio-based material sources, efficient material recycling systems. And emerging biotechnologies provide solutions.’ Pirjo Kääriäinen, an Aalto University professor who has been integrating design and material science for over a decade, agrees. ‘There are no simple solutions to the complex material-related problems, but with so much research going on, I am confident that we will see a wide range of viable solutions in the coming years.’
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Bio-based solutions
Aalto University research is opening the door to sustainable alternatives that could replace synthetic materials by processing lignin, cellulose, and other plant matter into new bio-materials, reducing resource use and waste.
Two new materials show great promise as alternatives to single-use plastic in packaging. FoamWood, a light, durable, and flexible wood-based foam could be used instead of bubble wrap and plastic in packaging materials. DipWrap, an experimental bio-based liquid created by students that rapidly dries into a transparent film. That can be safely washed off, could be used to wrap cucumbers and other vegetables instead of plastic.
Flower Matter is an approach that converts waste flowers into bio by-products that can be an alternative to paper, leather, or packing foam, with petals from the waste flowers usage can provide natural, vibrant colors. Approximately 40% of commercial flowers get in dumps before reaching consumers, with much of that waste ending up in landfills; Flower, Matter has the potential to transform that waste into alternative textiles and other materials.
Eco-friendly fertilizer
Waste can also be in use to make an alternative to another revolutionary synthetic: fertilizers. Putretti, an eco-friendly recycled fertilizer made from locally composted garbage. And wood ash has an 88% lower carbon footprint than synthetic fertilizers and requires fewer resources and energy to produce. Putretti has done well in seedling experiments, and a longer-term trial with older trees is in the works. By replacing chemical fertilizers with Putretti, it will be possible to fertilize forests more sustainably, lowering inputs while increasing the amount of carbon trapped as wood.