At NeoCon 2025 in Chicago, UK designer @paulcroftsstudio and British contract furniture brand @isomiuk introduced Knit One. This modular seating system applies advanced 3D knitting technology to commercial lounge furniture. After the earlier Tejo Sofa, which replaced foam with cork, wool, and natural latex, Knit One goes even further. Crofts has now removed internal materials where possible. The design relies on air as its only internal volume, which reduces material use without sacrificing comfort or strength. Read more at MaterialDistrict.com #MaterialInspiration #Materials #3DKnitting #ModularSeating #SustainableDesign #CircularDesign #FoamFreeFurniture #MaterialInnovation #ContractFurniture #NeoCon2025 #InteriorDesign #FurnitureDesign #PaulCrofts #Isomi #RecycledMaterials #ZeroWasteDesign

Composed of lignin, a byproduct derived from the cellulose and paper industries, as well as biorefinery processes, this material is 100% home compostable. Ligno Plastic by Tecnaro / More at MaterialDistrict.com #materialoftheday #materials #lignin #3dprinting #productdesign #biobasedmaterials #biobasedplastic #bioplastic

As industries increasingly seek sustainable alternatives to fossil-based ingredients, innovative material solutions are emerging from unexpected sources. One such example is the Finnish company @originbyocean, which has partnered with fine chemicals specialist CABB Group to build a pioneering biorefinery in Finland that transforms invasive brown algae into valuable biobased materials. This development holds significant potential for product designers, packaging developers, fashion brands, and interior designers looking for functional, circular, and renewable materials. Read more at MaterialDistrict.com #MaterialInspiration #Materials #BiobasedMaterials #SustainableDesign #CircularEconomy #MaterialInnovation #AlgaeBased #Biorefinery #PackagingDesign #ProductDesign #SustainableFashion #EcoMaterials

In 2024, Tiffany & Co. opened a new store in Cancún, Mexico, with a 3D printed façade designed by Rotterdam-based architecture firm @MVRDV. The store sits in La Isla Shopping Village, an open-air shopping centre in Cancún’s Hotel Zone. This project combines advanced fabrication techniques with design references drawn from the local environment. It provides an example of material application relevant to architects, interior designers, and product designers focused on material innovation and sustainability. Read more at MaterialDistrict.com #MaterialInspiration #Materials #MaterialInnovation #3DPrinting #Biomimicry #SustainableDesign #Architecture #InteriorDesign #ProductDesign #CircularDesign #TiffanyAndCo #MVRDV #Aectual #DigitalFabrication #RetailDesign

A lightweight material consisting of 40% lignin, a byproduct of the cellulose and paper industries, as well as from biorefinery processes. Lignofoam by Fraunhofer-Institut für Holzforschung Fraunhofer WKI / More at MaterialDistrict.com #materialoftheday #materials #lignin #biobasedmaterials #furnituredesign

.@ceadgroup, a Dutch specialist in large-scale additive manufacturing, has opened the Maritime Application Center (MAC) in Delft, the Netherlands. This new facility aims to demonstrate how automated 3D printing can support sustainable boat production. Read more at MaterialDistrict.com #MaterialInspiration #Materials #3DPrinting #AdditiveManufacturing #BoatBuilding #MaritimeInnovation #MaterialInnovation #Microfactory #DigitalManufacturing #CEAD #RecyclableMaterials

For designers looking for sustainable materials and low-impact production methods, the Salvage & Sap collection by @earthtopeoplestudio offers a fresh perspective. The collection is especially relevant for interior designers, furniture makers, product designers, and architects interested in biobased and circular materials. Read more at MaterialDistrict.com #materialinspiration #materials #wood #SustainableDesign #CircularDesign #BiobasedMaterials #PineResin #NaturalAdhesives #SalvagedMaterials #FurnitureDesign #MaterialInnovation #EcoDesign #DesignForTheFuture

Mycelium-based composite (MBC), composed of hemp shiv, shredded cardboard, wheat bran and reishi (Ganoderma Lucidum) millet grain spawn. Sculptural Mycelium by @gk.g_design / More at MaterialDistrict.com #materialoftheday #materials #mycelium #biobasedmaterials #productdesign #interiordesign