MaterialDistrict

23 February 2026 - story by MaterialDistrict Mono Wool is a 100% wool upholstery – designed to be local, recyclable and socially responsible.

23 February 2026 - story by Avans Hogeschool ADVERTORIAL - Tent fabrics used for canopies and stages at events and festivals are made from cotton or petroleum-based plastics such as polyethylene, polyester, and nylon. Tent fabric often consists of a woven intermediate layer of polymer fibers to distribute mechanical loads, combined with a (double) film layer that makes the fabric windproof and resistant to weather and dirt. Festival organizers are increasingly seeking to use more sustainable and recyclable materials.The company Tentech, which specializes in designing canopy structures using tent fabric, sees – together with SME partners HemCell and Impershield, both active in the field of biobased products – opportunities to develop new sustainable materials for tent fabrics that can be applied creatively across a wide range of uses. Avans Hogeschool supported the project partners in their ambition to develop a 100% biobased tent fabric. The creative industry often leads the way in developing innovative and sustainable products that later find applications in other sectors.

25 February 2026 - story by MaterialDistrict Fungal mycelium is a root-like network of microscopic threads that forms the main body of a fungus. By shaping fungal mycelium under controlled conditions, lightweight foams and flexible films are produced, composed of 100% inactivated fungal mycelium, without synthetic binders or petroleum additives.Fungal mycelium foams are a lightweight and flexible material with good acoustic insulation properties. During processing, the porosity and geometries can be controlled without extensive post-processing.

25 February 2026 - story by MaterialDistrict Dutch designer Iris Nijenhuis is known for her modular wearable objects, developed through an assemblage technique that allows textiles to be connected without stitching or glue. Her research project TAKE PART expands this method with a socially engaged focus. The project consists of an interactive textile installation that visualises consumer perspectives on local production, social impact and emotional sustainability. The first 500 elements were assembled in collaboration with clients of the healthcare institution Abrona. During Dutch Design Week, visitors were invited to participate by selecting a statement and adding a coloured module, contributing to a collective visual statistic.The core of Iris Nijenhuis’ practice is a modular laser-cut technique. Different types of fabric are cut into small interlocking puzzle pieces. Due to the laser process, fabrics are washed after cutting. Once dried, the pieces are manually assembled into jewellery and wearable objects, creating designs that can be reconfigured by exchanging colours or materials. This modular system enables personalisation, repair and variation without adhesives or seams. Because the technique requires materials that are both firm and flexible, not all textiles are suitable. Woven or knitted natural fibres may fray when laser cut, whereas many non-woven materials seal at the edges. As a result, fabrics such as scuba, softshell, spacer textiles, Alcantara and vegan leather are commonly used. When newly sourced, these materials may carry STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® certification for harmful substance testing.

3 March 2026 - story by MaterialDistrict Nabasco develops structural biobased composite from regional residual biomass such as reed harvesting waste, combined with recycled mineral components. The result is a rigid, durable material engineered for exterior and technical applications. The panels are applied in 3D façades, housings for electrical systems, traffic signage and outdoor furniture. Contexts where structural integrity, weather resistance and regulatory compliance are essential.

- story by Izodom 2000 Polska ADVERTORIAL - Energy costs, construction timelines and long term building quality have become key criteria when choosing construction technologies for individual investors and developers worldwide. Izodom ICF solutions are already used in nearly 50 countries across different climates and regulatory environments. The Izodom ICF system responds to these challenges by offering a proven, system based approach to delivering buildings with high energy efficiency and lasting functional value.

7 April 2026 Grain Surfboards, based in Maine (US), has introduced Bio•Logic—a new construction method that removes foam, fibreglass and almost all resin from surfboard production. The company builds on more than 20 years of experience in wooden surfboards. With Bio•Logic, it takes a step towards low-impact material systems in performance products.

Additive manufacturing is transforming the construction industry. It enables designers to produce building components directly from digital models with greater precision and less waste. Recent research shows that 3D printed polylactic acid (PLA) could replace traditional steel reinforcement in concrete, offering a more sustainable solution.

- story by MaterialDistrict UPM Circular Renewable Black™ is a biobased black pigment developed by UPM Biochemicals for applications in plastics and rubber, particularly in packaging. The material is derived from lignin, a natural polymer found in wood, and is sourced from FSC™ and PEFC-certified forests. Produced in Europe using renewable carbon, it offers an alternative to fossil-based carbon black without requiring changes to existing manufacturing processes.

Urban flooding is becoming an increasingly urgent challenge as climate change intensifies rainfall patterns across Europe. In response, researchers and designers in Spain’s Valencia region have developed an innovative ceramic paving system that enhances water infiltration in urban environments, offering new possibilities for climate-adaptive design.