The Dutch rail network operator @ProRail has achieved a global milestone in sustainable infrastructure by introducing the world’s first 100% recycled copper contact wire. The innovation marks a significant step towards circular rail construction and material reuse in large-scale infrastructure projects. The installation takes place on the Zeeuwse railway line between Roosendaal and Vlissingen, in collaboration with Strukton Rail, Railtech BV, and La Farga—the Spanish company behind the copper recycling technology. Read more at MaterialDistrict.com #MaterialInspiration #Materials #Copper #Metal #CircularDesign #SustainableInfrastructure #RecycledMaterials #CopperRecycling #RailInnovation #MaterialInnovation #CO2Reduction #CircularEconomy

At @DutchDesignWeek 2025 (18–26 October, Eindhoven), designers pair craft with computation to push materials into fresh territory. The results range from data-driven textiles to repairable furniture and flexible wood composites. Across the programme, making becomes a system: local resources, digital tools and hands-on techniques align to reduce waste and unlock new performance. Read more at MaterialDistrict.com #MaterialInspiration #Materials #DutchDesignWeek #MaterialInnovation #CraftAndComputation #DigitalCraft #SustainableDesign #DesignTechnology #CircularDesign #FutureMaterials #DesignResearch #MakerCulture

The microorganisms convert the carbon sources into PHA, which can then be extracted and purified for various applications. PHA by @colorfabb_official & Helian Polymers / More at MaterialDistrict.com #MaterialoftheDay #Materials #3DPrinting #ProductDesign #BioPlastic #BiobasedMaterials

A consortium of Dutch and international partners has found a new life for the thousands of jute coffee sacks discarded each year. The project, Coffeebag Re-Imagined, turns these single-use sacks into a durable, biobased felt material for design and interior applications. Read more at MaterialDistrict.com #MaterialInspiration #Materials #Jute #CircularDesign #BiobasedMaterials #SustainableTextiles #MaterialInnovation #Upcycling #InteriorDesign #ProductDesign #ReYutCel #CoffeeWaste #DutchDesign

At @DutchDesignWeek 2025 (18–26 October, Eindhoven), circular design takes centre stage. This year’s programme shows how waste, surplus materials and overlooked resources can gain new life. From interior textiles to terrazzo and education, each project shares one ambition: to close material loops and rethink production through creativity and collaboration. Read more at MaterialDistrict.com #MaterialInspiration #Materials #DutchDesignWeek #CircularDesign #MaterialInnovation #SustainableDesign #DesignForReuse #RecycledMaterials #BiobasedDesign #DesignInspiration #FutureMaterials #EcoDesign

The material is a folded real wood veneer, backed with recycled cotton and strips of upcycled plywood. Real Wood Origami Veneer by Formfurnier / More at MaterialDistrict.com #MaterialoftheDay #Materials #Wood #Veneer #InteriorDesign #FurnitureDesign

Researchers at the @fraunhofergesellschaft Institute for Wood Research, Wilhelm-Klauditz-Institut (WKI) and their partners have created a biobased fabric that monitors asphalt roads in real time. The system makes road maintenance more sustainable, cost-effective, and less disruptive by detecting damage early—without drilling or destroying the surface. Read more at MaterialDistrict.com #MaterialInspiration #Materials #BiobasedMaterials #SmartInfrastructure #MaterialInnovation #SustainableDesign #CircularConstruction #SmartTextiles #RoadTechnology #FraunhoferWKI

.@DutchDesignWeek (18–26 October 2025, Eindhoven) returns with a strong focus on material innovation—prioritising sustainability, circularity and regional production. This year’s programme surfaces tangible alternatives to petrochemical materials and linear supply chains, revealing how bio-based resources, waste streams and living systems can underpin real-world products and environments. Read more at MaterialDistrict.com #MaterialInspiration #Materials #DutchDesignWeek #CircularDesign #MaterialInnovation #SustainableDesign #DesignForReuse #RecycledMaterials #BiobasedDesign #DesignInspiration #FutureMaterials #EcoDesign