Researchers have developed a new biodegradable mulching film that can protect crops without using plastics or chemical pesticides. The study, published in ACS Agricultural Science & Technology, introduces a plant-based film that contains natural insect-repelling citronella oil. The material is especially relevant for landscape architects, product designers and packaging designers who explore sustainable and circular materials. Mulching films help keep soil moist, control temperature and limit weed growth. Most films, however, are made from polyethylene. This plastic is hard to recycle and breaks down into microplastics that stay in the soil. These particles disturb soil life and contribute to long-term pollution. The new research shows that biobased materials can offer a safer alternative with a lower environmental impact. Read more at MaterialDistrict.com #MaterialInspiration #Materials #BiodegradableMaterials #MulchingFilm #SustainableDesign #CircularMaterials #BiobasedInnovation #MaterialInnovation #AgritechDesign #CitronellaOil #EcoDesign #SoilHealth

The newly opened @centresanaaq in downtown Montréal showcases a material-first approach to public architecture. The design team— @pelletierdefontenay, @architecture49, and @atelierzebulonperron—selected a clear and durable palette that includes aluminium grating, glass, wood panelling, polished concrete, textiles, and biobased sprayed cellulose. These materials support acoustic comfort, visual clarity, and long-term performance. The Centre sits within the podium of a new residential development, where the designers transformed an existing structure into an accessible civic space. Read more at MaterialDistrict.com #MaterialInspiration #Materials #CentreSanaaq #MaterialDesign #BiobasedMaterials #PublicArchitecture #InteriorArchitecture #SustainableDesign #CulturalHub #MontrealDesign #AcousticDesign #AdaptiveReuse

The material consists of glued cork pieces that have undergone a natural treatment and a finish of colour pigments. Muratto cork bricks by @muratto.wall / More at MaterialDistrict.com #MaterialoftheDay #Materials #Cork #BiobasedMaterials #InteriorDesign #Walls

Waste-to-product company @renewi_official and building materials producer @holcim.ltd are introducing a new version of the Basalton concrete column. This version replaces all naturally mined sand with 100% recycled sand made from processed concrete waste. The material holds KOMO certification, which confirms it meets the standards needed for concrete production. Rijkswaterstaat and several Dutch water boards are now using these elements in dike reinforcement and flood protection projects. Read more at MaterialDistrict.com #MaterialInspiration #Materials #CircularConcrete #RecycledMaterials #SustainableDesign #MaterialInnovation #InfrastructureDesign #ConcreteRecycling #CircularConstruction

Luminous Re-weave is a lighting installation by Ling Sha and Yucheng Tang that brings together craft, technology, and circular design. It shows how discarded textiles can take on a new life as modular, stackable light elements. The project offers fresh inspiration for architects, interior designers, product designers, and lighting designers who are exploring sustainable materials. Read more at MaterialDistrict.com #MaterialInspiration #Materials #UpcycledDesign #ModularLighting #CircularMaterials #SustainableDesign #TextileInnovation #MaterialInnovation #DesignInspiration #DutchDesignWeek #ReuseRebuild #CraftAndTech #LightingDesign

The board is made from domestic bio-based raw materials. Zero furniture panel by @Koskisen https://materialdistrict.com/material/zero-furniture-panel/ #MaterialoftheDay #Materials #SheetMaterial #BiobasedMaterials

Researchers at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (@official_kaist) have created a new way to grow and colour textiles using living microbes. Their method offers a cleaner alternative to the textile industry’s petrochemical fibres and synthetic dyes, which place a heavy burden on water, soil, and air quality. Read more at MaterialDistrict.com #BiobasedMaterials #SustainableTextiles #MaterialInnovation #BacterialCellulose #CircularDesign #EcoFashion #Biofabrication #FutureMaterials #MaterialInspiration #Materials

In Niederanven, Luxembourg, ODA Architects built the country’s first 3D printed residential project. The 47 m² Tiny House acts as a prototype for fast, low-emission and circular construction. Its approach offers useful insights for architects, interior designers, landscape designers and product designers who work with sustainable materials and modular building systems. Read more at MaterialDistrict.com #MaterialInspiration #Materials #3DPrintedArchitecture #TinyHouseDesign #SustainableConstruction #ModularBuilding #CircularDesign #MaterialInnovation #EcoMaterials #BiobasedInsulation #SolarPoweredLiving #DigitalFabrication