Design studio Crafting Plastics! Studio created Nuatan, a new type of bioplastic that is biobased, biocompatible, and biodegradable, for products and disposable objects.

The material is the result of a six-year research, in collaboration with material scientists from the Slovak University of Technology. The material is petroleum free, and consists of 100% renewable raw resources, including cornstarch, sugar and cooking oil.

Essentially, it’s a blend of two biopolymers, PLA and PHB. Polyacid Acid (PLA) is a natural plastic derived from corn starch, and Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) is made from corn starch that has been metabolised by microorganisms. The new material can be formed using various production methods, including injection moulding and 3D printing. It can be used to make disposable products, such as straws and single-use bags.

According to the studio, the material can withstand temperatures of over 100 degrees Celsius without losing integrity and has a lifespan of up to 15 years, but can biodegrade in 90 days if put in an industrial composter. The material is even safe to eat for both humans and animals.

The studio created a collection of ready-to-wear products and disposable objects, exploring the material’s new aesthetics and material limits. They aim to challenge the negative prejudice on perishable materials.

Nuatan was introduced during the London Design Festival 2018. Earlier, Crafting Plastics! Studio introduced two eyewear collections made of bioplastic (click here and here). The aim now is to expand their production collection, from lamps to interior objects and installations.

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