Researchers at @ImperialCollege London have genetically engineered bacteria to grow animal- and plastic-free leather that dyes itself. Leather alternatives grown by bacteria is an up and coming research field to provide more sustainable textiles. The production process uses only a fraction of the carbon emissions, water, land use and time compared to animal leather. Unlike plastic-based leather alternatives, the bacterial leather can be made without petrochemicals and will biodegrade without harming the environment. However, this still leaves the problem of dyeing. Synthetic chemical dyeing is one of the most environmentally toxic processes in fashion, and black dyes, especially those used in colouring leather, are particularly harmful. Read more at MaterialDistrict.com #materialinspiration #bacterialcellulose #leatheralternative #dye #bacteria #textiledye #imperialcollegelondon #materialdistrict #fashiondesign

Sheet material made entirely from used banners and cutting waste. Sign Again by @Proboprint / More at MaterialDistrict.com #materialoftheday #materials #signage #signagain #probo #materialdistrict #graphicdesign #banners #recycling #advertisement #printing

UK-based design practice @EcoLogicStudio an indoor photobioreactor capable of absorbing carbon dioxide and pollutants while oxygenating the air, powered by algae. Called AIReactor, the air purifier consists of a 1 metre tall laboratory grade glass container, supported by birch plywood components The glass container hosts up to 10 litres of living photosynthetic microalgae cultures. The algae are constantly stirred to simulate the effects of waves and currents in the marine environment. Read more at MaterialDistrict.com #materialinspiration #algae #airpurifier #ecologicstudio #materialdistrict #interiordesign #healingenvironment

Metro tile made from the waste of the London Underground for the London Underground itself. From the Underground tiles by @jeffreystephenmiller / More at MaterialDistrict.com #materialoftheday #materials #tiles #recycling #fromtheunderground #jeffreystephenmiller #materialdistrict #waste

Thermoplastic manufacturer Borealis and aquacultural company @AKVA_Group designed what they say is the world’s first boat with a hull made of cooking oil-based plastic. The workboat is part of AKVA Group’s Polarcirkel boats, which have been design to endure in extreme conditions, from -40°C in Arctic regions to +55°C in the tropics. Read more at MaterialDistrict.com #materialinspiration #boats #workboats #polarcirkel #akvagroup #borealis #materialdistrict #bioplastic

Recycled palm tree wood mosaic, composed of rectangles of 2 pieces wood. Nusa Lembongan by @NatureatHome_wallpanels / More at MaterialDistrict.com #materialoftheday #materials #wood #palmtree #natureathome #mosaic #naturalmaterials #NusaLembongan #materialdistrict

Canadian industrial design studio Semblance launched their first product, a stereo made of a concrete building block. Called Breeze Block, the stereo uses a masonry block often used in US mid-century modern landscaping design. Read more at MaterialDistrict.com #materialinspiration #audio #stereo #semblance #sound #concrete #masonryblock #breezeblock

Paint, lacquer paint and primer, but then plant-based. Plant-based paint by @fairf.duurzame.verf / More at MaterialDistrict.com #materialoftheday #materials #coatings #paint #plantbasedpaint #fairf #materialdistrict #biobasedmaterials