5 sustainable materials designers are using from packaging to fashion

As companies are beginning to shift to more sustainable products, we look at the materials they’re using.

1. Mycelium Leather

   • This type of leather is lab-grown, using the roots fungi utilize to grow.
   • The material is organic enough to be tanned or dyed, making it look like mainstream leather.
   • Mycelium leather is a better alternative to plastic leather, which uses less natural resources and emits almost no carbon emissions.
   • Hermés and Adidas are already utilizing this leather to produce sustainable bags and shoes.

2. Sea stone

   • A natural binder creates sea stone by grinding wasted seashells from the seafood industry.
   • Sea stone is a more sustainable alternative to cement.

3. Algae Bioplastic

   • Environmentalists have criticized bioplastics because it requires a lot of land use. Thus algae is a better alternative. Algae absorb carbon, and it is abundant and renewable.
   • Algae bioplastic is used in sequin dresses, raincoats, skis, food packaging, and filaments for 3D printing.

4. Food Waste

   • By repurposing food waste, humanity is making a step forward to a circular economy.
   • The most helpful waste is seafood seashells that can act as bioplastic packaging. Coffee grounds are also used to create leather.
   • Solar panels are now using produce waste to generate clean energy from ultraviolet light.

5. Cork

   • Cork is sustainable because it is simply stripped from the cork tree without being deforested.
   • Cork is recyclable and compostable as well, generating less waste.
   • Cork is used in wine, accessories, and most recently, in furniture.