A compostable material made from sugar beet waste and molasses

For her master thesis at Bauhaus-Universität Weimar, German designer Lara Weller developed a vegan and compostable material made from sugar beet waste and molasses, and which can be processed using existing processing techniques.

Called BetaWare, the material is made from sugar beet cellulose and molasses, by-products of sugar production. To develop the material, Weller carried out various tests and production methods. After optimisation, the material underwent strength tests in the university laboratory and injection molding tests at Arburg GmbH + Co KG.

As proof-of-concept, six products were designed to show that BetaWare can be used in a variety of ways. Each product was manufactured using different processes, such as milling, sawing, drilling, casting and pressing. The designed products include (clothing) hooks, clothespins, and a plate. After use, the products are fully compostable.

Photos: Lara Weller