New Sustainable Materials at the Fall 2023 Maison & Objet
See some of the new eco-friendly materials and educational resources showcased the recent trade fair in Paris
The quest for sustainability is taking over our interiors. What is a sustainable material? What are the latest sustainable materials? What online help is available for finding out more about them and obtaining them? The answers were in the aisles of the fall 2023 Maison & Objet design fair in Paris.
Ostrea Marine Terrazzo
New Sustainable Materials
The show featured a number of new sustainable materials. The Future on Stage springboard area spotlighted promising young start-ups, all of which were concerned with this theme this year.
French startup firm Ostrea has developed a process to transform mussel, oyster and scallop shells into a 100% mineral, 0% petroleum-based terrazzo-like material.
“The filler content of low-carbon marine terrazzo is 65% recycled shells bonded with natural cement. The material is not baked, but requires 28 days of curing in our Rennes workshop, which contributes to its low-carbon performance,” said Maxime Roux, one of the company’s founders. A number of eco-minded furniture firms, such as Morning and Furniture for Good, have sealed partnerships with Ostrea for its material, which is similar to Istrenn, Malakio’s marine terrazzo.
Find an architect near you
New Sustainable Materials
The show featured a number of new sustainable materials. The Future on Stage springboard area spotlighted promising young start-ups, all of which were concerned with this theme this year.
French startup firm Ostrea has developed a process to transform mussel, oyster and scallop shells into a 100% mineral, 0% petroleum-based terrazzo-like material.
“The filler content of low-carbon marine terrazzo is 65% recycled shells bonded with natural cement. The material is not baked, but requires 28 days of curing in our Rennes workshop, which contributes to its low-carbon performance,” said Maxime Roux, one of the company’s founders. A number of eco-minded furniture firms, such as Morning and Furniture for Good, have sealed partnerships with Ostrea for its material, which is similar to Istrenn, Malakio’s marine terrazzo.
Find an architect near you
Repulp mug
Repulp Design was born out of a summer job in a juice bar by Victoria Lièvre, who was studying design at the time. The founder developed a process to recycle citrus peel into an alternative material to plastic, made from dehydrated peel mixed with biopolymers. The material, which can be injected in the same way as conventional plastic, is used to make 8-ounce cups that can be composted at the end of their life. Three lamps, Citrus Paradisi, are also made from spools of filament designed in this material and then woven by a 3D printer.
Repulp Design was born out of a summer job in a juice bar by Victoria Lièvre, who was studying design at the time. The founder developed a process to recycle citrus peel into an alternative material to plastic, made from dehydrated peel mixed with biopolymers. The material, which can be injected in the same way as conventional plastic, is used to make 8-ounce cups that can be composted at the end of their life. Three lamps, Citrus Paradisi, are also made from spools of filament designed in this material and then woven by a 3D printer.
Tabletop made from recycled plastic sheet by Polygood France
We also appreciated the work of Polygood France, which specializes in recycling the extruded polystyrene found in many household appliances, a material that until now could not be recycled and was simply buried. “The insides of fridges and the polystyrene shells of toasters are transformed into plastic shreds that we thermocompress into transparent sheets that can be machined, just like wood. We produce finished products — furniture, siding — or custom-made panels, in particular for interior designers,” said sales manager Giovanni Belloni.
And Quentin Hirsinger, founder of international materials database matériO, showcased 30 sustainable materials derived from materials previously unknown for recycling, opening up new possibilities for the future. The Cabinet of Curiosities space featured rigid panels made from cigarette butts, foam from recycled masks and shrimp shells, and weavings from old cassette tapes and even lint and hair.
Making Connections and Seeking Sustainability in a Material World
We also appreciated the work of Polygood France, which specializes in recycling the extruded polystyrene found in many household appliances, a material that until now could not be recycled and was simply buried. “The insides of fridges and the polystyrene shells of toasters are transformed into plastic shreds that we thermocompress into transparent sheets that can be machined, just like wood. We produce finished products — furniture, siding — or custom-made panels, in particular for interior designers,” said sales manager Giovanni Belloni.
And Quentin Hirsinger, founder of international materials database matériO, showcased 30 sustainable materials derived from materials previously unknown for recycling, opening up new possibilities for the future. The Cabinet of Curiosities space featured rigid panels made from cigarette butts, foam from recycled masks and shrimp shells, and weavings from old cassette tapes and even lint and hair.
Making Connections and Seeking Sustainability in a Material World
Where to Find and Learn About Sustainable Materials
Finding out about sustainable materials, or improving your knowledge on the subject, is a process now made easier by online platforms. MatériO, established in 2000, is the oldest. It offers an extensive materials database with samples, descriptions, technical specifications and information on many materials used in architecture and design, particularly rare materials, sourced from the four corners of the globe. The materials library focuses on sustainable materials, providing information on such things as their environmental impact, recyclability and provenance.
Following its success in North America, Materialbank.eu has arrived in Europe, headed by Philippe Brocart. His ambition is for Materialbank.eu to be the benchmark online platform dedicated to exploring, selecting, ordering and receiving material samples for the architectural and construction sectors. “A number of environmental filters make it possible to select a sustainable product according to the criteria sought in just a few clicks,” Brocart said at the trade show.
6 Tips for Making Your Remodel or New Build More Sustainable
Finding out about sustainable materials, or improving your knowledge on the subject, is a process now made easier by online platforms. MatériO, established in 2000, is the oldest. It offers an extensive materials database with samples, descriptions, technical specifications and information on many materials used in architecture and design, particularly rare materials, sourced from the four corners of the globe. The materials library focuses on sustainable materials, providing information on such things as their environmental impact, recyclability and provenance.
Following its success in North America, Materialbank.eu has arrived in Europe, headed by Philippe Brocart. His ambition is for Materialbank.eu to be the benchmark online platform dedicated to exploring, selecting, ordering and receiving material samples for the architectural and construction sectors. “A number of environmental filters make it possible to select a sustainable product according to the criteria sought in just a few clicks,” Brocart said at the trade show.
6 Tips for Making Your Remodel or New Build More Sustainable
Repulp material is made from dried orange peel.
Raumprobe (Material Bank DesignFuture) is the leading search materials platform in German-speaking countries, offering access to an extensive database of over 50,000 materials for architecture and construction professionals. The online database can be used to find manufacturers matching specific materials, with the option of obtaining personal information and samples directly from manufacturers to facilitate the material selection process.
“We’re all responsible for what we build and the impact it will have on the planet’s future,” said Raumprobe’s managing director Hannes Bäuerle.
As for the young database 2050 Materials, its mission is to become “the easiest way to find and compare building materials.” Its co-founder, Phanos Hadjikyriakou, said he had created a database where they “collect and harmonize technical information on sustainable materials so that this data is harmonized and comparable.”
12 Pros Share the Top Sustainable Features They’re Using
Raumprobe (Material Bank DesignFuture) is the leading search materials platform in German-speaking countries, offering access to an extensive database of over 50,000 materials for architecture and construction professionals. The online database can be used to find manufacturers matching specific materials, with the option of obtaining personal information and samples directly from manufacturers to facilitate the material selection process.
“We’re all responsible for what we build and the impact it will have on the planet’s future,” said Raumprobe’s managing director Hannes Bäuerle.
As for the young database 2050 Materials, its mission is to become “the easiest way to find and compare building materials.” Its co-founder, Phanos Hadjikyriakou, said he had created a database where they “collect and harmonize technical information on sustainable materials so that this data is harmonized and comparable.”
12 Pros Share the Top Sustainable Features They’re Using
9. Allow for Circulation
In a dining room, make sure there’s at least 48 inches between each edge of the table and the nearest wall or piece of furniture. If traffic doesn’t pass behind the chairs on one side of the table, 36 inches should suffice.
In bedrooms, allow at least 24 inches between the side of the bed and a wall, and at least 36 inches between the bed and a swinging door.
In a dining room, make sure there’s at least 48 inches between each edge of the table and the nearest wall or piece of furniture. If traffic doesn’t pass behind the chairs on one side of the table, 36 inches should suffice.
In bedrooms, allow at least 24 inches between the side of the bed and a wall, and at least 36 inches between the bed and a swinging door.
What Makes a Material Sustainable?
They are called ecological, environmentally friendly or sustainable. These are materials designed, manufactured, used and disposed of in such a way as to minimize their impact on the environment throughout their life cycle.