MC 827301 / FILAVA from Isomatex S.A. This is an alternative to carbon and glass fibers made from the surprisingly abundant volcanic rock, basalt. The chemistry of these fibers is uniquely stable, in …
Top Five Materials: February 2022
MC 785602 / Plastic Free Paper from Lactips Lactips' Plastic Free Paper offers a new PFAS, PVDC, and silicone-free coating that provides barrier and thermo-sealing properties while ensuring the …
Top Five Materials: October 2021
MC 746104 / ST-Eleveat BIO E and ST-Eleveat RE E from Sekisui Plastics Co., Ltd. This lightweight expanded polyester foam technology from Sekisui offers excellent heat resistance, flame retardancy, …
Biodegradable and Renewable Polyurethanes Are Around the Corner
Scientists are slowly weaning this omnipresent polymer away from reliance on fossil fuels. Polyurethane (PU) is a victim of its own success, at least when it comes to sustainability. Comparatively …
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Material Profile: Humble Bee
In honor of National Bee Day (August 21, 2021), we're showcasing this material from the Biotech company Humble Bee Incorporated. MC 936401 / Humble Bee Humble Bee is an engineered …
Top Five Materials: July 2021
From a compound made with regenerated rubber to a cork-coated yarn technology, Material Library + Database continue to grow. Check out our research team's Top 5 picks from July's new …
Why Polyolefins Are a Popular and Sustainable Plastic Option
A mainstay of outdoor furniture, unique properties make these recyclable, clean plastics more sustainable than other synthetics. Sometimes names are confusing. Polyolefin is a term used to refer to …
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Understanding Nylon Alternatives
Bio-based and regenerated versions of this powerhouse plastic provide sustainable options. You may think you know nylon, but there are more facets to this powerhouse plastic than staticky clothing …
Material Session 5 / Bioplastics: The (Not So) Basics
Material Sessions is an exciting series dedicated to trends and topics that shape the material world. Each session provides an in-depth look at current and future trends in material …
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From Production to Recycling, Vinyls Become More Sustainable
One of the most widely used plastics in the world, vinyl is made with some concerning ingredients, but safer and greener alternatives are on the horizon. “Polarizing” is a suitable term for vinyl. …
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Understanding Polyester Alternatives
What are your options for sustainably using these ubiquitous plastics in your projects? Polyester is a material that everyone has heard of but few understand: It is actually a family of polymers …
Differentiate Your Product Through Material Choice
The need to differentiate isn't new, but consumers aren't buying the same old ideas anymore. They are demanding transparency and responsibility from the brands and products they bring into their …
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