Spanish artist @cynthianudel has developed Biopainting, a material-based technique that replaces conventional paint with textile waste and natural pigments. Her work explores how discarded materials can become expressive artworks. At the same time, it questions the environmental impact of the textile and pigment industries. Instead of using acrylics or oils, Nudel works with leftover textiles. She dyes these fabrics using colour extracted from organic waste streams. Onion skins, pomegranate peels and eucalyptus bark form the basis of her palette. She then cuts the dyed textiles into small pieces and fixes them onto canvas with a natural adhesive. This process creates layered, tactile surfaces that function as both image and material statement. Read more at https://materialdistrict.com/article/biopainting-turning-textile-waste-into-a-natural-colour-palette/ #MaterialInspiration #Materials #BiobasedMaterials #TextileWaste #NaturalDyes #CircularDesign #MaterialInnovation #SustainableTextiles #DesignResearch #SlowDesign #ColourInnovation #FutureMaterials

Cigarette butts are one of the most common forms of litter worldwide. Every year, billions of filters end up in streets, rivers and soil. Most filters consist of cellulose acetate, a plastic that degrades very slowly and releases toxic substances into the environment. Researchers have now shown that this problematic waste can become a valuable carbon resource. A new study demonstrates how discarded cigarette butts can be transformed into a high-performance biochar suitable for advanced energy storage applications. Read more at MaterialDistrict.com #MaterialInspiration #Materials #EnergyTransition #CircularMaterials #RecycledMaterials #WasteToResource #Biochar #EnergyStorage #MaterialInnovation #SustainableDesign #CircularDesign

Katajanokan Laituri is an office and hotel building by @anttinen_oiva_architects, located on the former industrial waterfront of the Katajanokka peninsula in Helsinki. The project combines engineered timber with glass, aluminium, and granite, materials that respond to both the maritime climate and the character of the surrounding city. As the first new development on this section of the embankment, the building plays a role in the area’s transition towards a more publicly accessible waterfront. The volume follows the continuous, neo-classical outline of Helsinki’s southern shoreline. Variations in the façade reduce the perceived scale and relate to the diverse architecture of Katajanokka. A double façade system places exposed timber behind an outer layer of glass, aluminium, and granite. This construction protects the wood from coastal weather while maintaining visual continuity with the cityscape. Read more at MaterialDistrict.com #MaterialInspiration #Materials #MassTimber #TimberArchitecture #EngineeredWood #CLT #LVL #SustainableArchitecture #BiobasedMaterials #WaterfrontArchitecture #CircularDesign

Material of the day: Coffee Waste Tiles ☕♻️ Developed by @wastematters_studio, these limited-edition tiles are made from locally collected coffee grounds bound with natural bio-resins. Handcrafted and rich in texture, each tile reflects the warm tones and natural irregularities of roasted coffee—celebrating both material origin and craft. Based on re-meltable thermoplastic biocomposites, Coffee Waste Tiles support a fully circular life cycle. They can be cast, layered, or hand-formed, making them suitable for wall panels, decorative surfaces, and tableware. A tactile example of how local waste streams can be transformed into meaningful, sustainable design. Read more at MaterialDistrict.com You can experience Coffee Waste Tiles up close in our sample exhibition at MaterialDistrict Utrecht 📍 Werkspoorkathedraal, Utrecht 📅 4–6 March 🎟️ Get your ticket now via link in bio #MaterialoftheDay #Material #CoffeeWasteTiles #WasteMattersStudio #BiobasedMaterials #CircularDesign #SustainableSurfaces #MaterialDistrict #MDUtrecht

Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (@MIT) have developed MorphoChrome, a new fabrication system that allows designers to apply iridescent, colour-changing effects to everyday objects. Instead of using pigments or dyes, the system relies on structural colour, a phenomenon widely found in nature. The project introduces a new way to create expressive surfaces while reducing dependence on traditional colouring methods. Read more at MaterialDistrict.com #MaterialInspiration #Materials #StructuralColour #MaterialInnovation #SustainableDesign #ProductDesign #FashionDesign #InteriorDesign #DigitalFabrication #MITResearch

Muss-Tell is a circular, bioregional design project by material designer and researcher @ertemdamla, developed as part of her MA Material Futures at Central Saint Martins. The project addresses an often-overlooked environmental issue: noise pollution in freshwater ecosystems. More specifically, it explores how underwater sound affects native mussel species and how material design can help reduce this impact. Read more at MaterialDistrict.com #MaterialInspiration #Materials #Biomaterials #CircularDesign #AcousticDesign #BiodegradableMaterials #MaterialInnovation #RegenerativeDesign #EcologicalDesign #NatureBasedSolutions #SustainableMaterials #BeyondHumanDesign

The material can be made into wearable accessories, such as gloves. SOLE by Yiyuan Bai / More at MaterialDistrict.com #MaterialoftheDay #Materials #BiobasedMaterials #HealthyMaterials #ChineseHerbalMedicine

A new recycling process makes it possible to reuse MDF (Medium-Density Fibreboard) on an industrial scale. Developed through a collaboration between @Unilin and GP Groot Recycling, the technology allows used MDF panels to be processed into fibres that can be applied in the production of new MDF boards. MDF is widely used in interior construction, furniture manufacturing and joinery, but until now has largely been excluded from high-quality recycling streams. Used MDF from renovation and demolition projects is typically incinerated. With this new approach, the material can be collected separately and returned to the production cycle. Unilin has indicated that the process is designed to handle up to 70,000 tonnes of MDF fibres per year. Read more at MaterialDistrict.com #MaterialInspiration #Materials #MDFRecycling #CircularMaterials #SustainableInteriors #WoodBasedPanels #MaterialInnovation #CircularDesign