A collaboration between Swedish companies Adsorbi, SmellWell, and Icebug has resulted in a new generation of Freshener Inserts. These inserts are designed to keep shoes and sports equipment fresh using an innovative, wood-based material that significantly reduces carbon emissions compared to traditional activated carbon. This development offers potential applications for product designers, interior designers, and packaging designers seeking sustainable material alternatives.

Material Innovation: Nordic Wood-Based Adsorption Technology
The Freshener Inserts use a material developed by Adsorbi, a Swedish greentech company originating from research at Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg. The inserts replace activated carbon—a material with high resource demands—with cellulose derived from Nordic forests. This alternative material reduces the environmental impact of odour-control products.

Activated carbon production has a carbon footprint of approximately 7.5 kg CO2 per kilogram of material. In comparison, Adsorbi’s cellulose-based solution generates 3.5 kg CO2 per kilogram, representing a 50% reduction in emissions. The material is sourced sustainably, and its production is optimised to support circularity and biobased innovation.

Functionality and Environmental Impact
The Freshener Inserts absorb moisture and neutralise odours, extending the lifespan of shoes and sports equipment. By utilising cellulose rather than activated carbon, the inserts contribute to lower carbon emissions. Their durability also allows for extended use, reducing the need for frequent replacements and promoting resource efficiency.

This combination of functionality and environmental benefit makes the inserts a relevant material solution for designers. The technology offers possibilities for integration into products requiring moisture or odour control, such as footwear, sports equipment, interior applications, or packaging solutions.

Focus on Sustainable Design and Production
The project reflects Sweden’s emphasis on sustainable design and material innovation. Adsorbi’s cellulose-based material aligns with the broader industry shift towards renewable, low-impact alternatives to fossil-based or high-emission materials. These advancements address the growing need for sustainable solutions in design and manufacturing.

Hanna Johansson, CEO of Adsorbi, highlights the material’s contribution: “Our innovation offers a functional and sustainable alternative to traditional materials like activated carbon, demonstrating the potential for biobased solutions to reduce environmental impact.”

Applications for Design Disciplines
The Freshener Inserts present opportunities for designers across various fields. Product designers can explore the use of wood-based adsorbent materials for wearables, sports equipment, and consumer goods. Interior designers may find the material suitable for odour-neutralising solutions in enclosed spaces, while packaging designers can consider the technology for sustainable moisture-control applications.

Source: Adsorbi press release
Photos: Adsorbi