How to Browse Sustainable Materials
Sustainability is an important factor in the way we choose and use materials, whether for construction, architecture, design or everyday products. As environmental and social concerns grow, so does the demand for materials that are responsibly sourced, ethically produced, transported responsibly and designed for sustainability. However, navigating the world of sustainable materials can be overwhelming. With countless certifications, eco-labels and marketing claims, it is not always clear what makes a material truly sustainable. Is it the raw materials used in the product, the manufacturing process, the end-of-life disposal, or all of the above? At Materials Assemble, we prioritise transparency and sustainability in our material library. We carefully assess the different sustainability credentials of the materials we curate in our library. In this article, we’ll explore various types of sustainable materials and provide practical guidance on how to evaluate sustainability credentials when browsing.
Key considerations when browsing sustainable materials?
Resource extraction - When assessing a material's sustainability, it's crucial to assess how and where its materials are sourced, as extraction and harvesting can have significant environmental and social impacts. Some factors include whether the materials come from renewable or non-renewable sources and if they are extracted responsibly to avoid deforestation, habitat destruction, or soil degradation. Additionally, supply chain proximity plays a role as materials sourced and manufactured in the same region reduce transport-related carbon emissions.
Production processes - A responsible production process minimises waste, optimises resources and reduces environmental impact. Key considerations include whether factories reuse their own waste in production, incorporate recycling within their processes, or operate close-loop systems that reintegrate by-products. Additionally, efficient manufacturing techniques, such as precision cutting and waste reduction strategies, help minimize unnecessary material loss. Choosing materials from manufacturers that actively reduce waste and recycle within production supports a more circular and environmentally responsible supply chain.
Usage and durability - High-durability and long-lasting value are essential characteristics of a sustainable material. It is important to consider whether the materials that require frequent treatment or maintenance after installation, such as regular sealing or chemical treatments, may have a larger environmental footprint due to the resources and energy needed for maintenance. The ease with which materials can be repaired or replaced is crucial. Ideally, sustainable materials should be designed for easy fixes, reducing waste and without the need of complete replacements.
End-of-life - While recyclability is seen as the ultimate solution for waste, it's important to question whether recycling alone is enough. For example, materials like bio-based composites, which have a high content of renewable resources, still present challenges. Though these materials may appear more sustainable, they are often difficult or impossible to recycle without specialised, high-end recycling methods. In many cases, these materials still end up in landfills or incinerators, failing to truly close the loop. Alternatively materials that can biodegrade naturally are often a better option as they break down organically in a natural environment. Similarly, recycled plastics or composites aren't always the ideal solution as they still require significant energy and resources to process. In the end, a material's ability to return to the earth naturally or to be recycled effectively at scale is crucial for its true sustainability.
What is a bio-based material?
A bio-based material is made from renewable, natural resources such as plants, animals, or microorganisms, rather than fossil fuels. These materials are derived from biomass, which includes substances like cork, mycelium, wood, and algae. Bio-based materials can range from simple products like paper or cotton to more complex ones like bioplastics, bio-composites, or bio-based chemicals. Not every material that is labeled 'bio-based’ is 100% made from bio materials. For example, a bioplastic might contain 30%, 50%, or even 70% biobased content, depending on the specific formulation and how much of the material is derived from renewable sources. In these cases it is important to check what the other binding components are in the material.
Binding agents in bio-based materials
Binding agents are substances used to hold materials together in bio-based composites and products. They help maintain the shape, structure and stability of a material. Epoxy resin is a type of synthetic polymer made by reacting epichlorohydrin (a chemical derived from petrochemicals) with bisphenol-A (BPA), a compound commonly used in the production of composite materials. While epoxy resin is widely used for its strength, durability, and versatile applications, there are several reasons why it is considered harmful. Epoxy resin is often made from petroleum-based ingredients, it is non-biodegradable and it is very hard to recycle. Once the epoxy resin is cured it is very difficult and almost impossible to reverse this process. It also releases toxic chemicals during the production and curing process which can be a health hazard for the workers and artisans.
Mixing the world of natural and chemical
Composite materials are engineered by mixing two or more materials to create a new material with superior properties. The blend of natural and chemical elements in composites allows for enhanced performance, often delivering flexibility, strength and durability than the individual components alone. While composite materials have a short-term benefit to mixing natural and chemical materials such as enhanced durability, the long-term environmental, health and ethical impacts can outweigh these advantages. Toxicity, difficult disposal, non-biodegradability and unsustainable manufacturing practices are just a few of the reasons why it’s often better to focus on materials that are either fully natural or fully synthetic, rather than trying to merge the two worlds.
Sustainable materials and commercial use
When selecting materials for commercial space such as retail environments, hospitality settings, and offices, sustainability must be balanced with functionality, durability and performance. While the most eco-friendly option may not always be the most practical for high-traffic areas, sustainability is not a one-size-fits-all concept. Instead, it requires considering the specific needs of a space and making informed trade-offs. For example, a material that improves indoor air quality might not be as resistant to wear and tear as plastic-based alternatives. In this case, the sustainable choice can be about prioritizing health benefits and taking more care of the area that the material is applied to. In certain cases a material that lasts significantly longer may ultimately have a lower environmental impact than a fully natural material that needs frequent replacement.
Understanding what you need a material to do is essential in making the most responsible choice. Whether it is prioritising energy efficiency, air quality, recyclability or durability, sustainable decision-making involves a holistic approach rather than simply opting for the material with the "greenest” label. Instead of looking for a perfect solution, designers should consider sustainability as a balance between material performance, lifestyle impact, and real world practicality.
Browse Sustainable materials for commercial use
Conclusion
Browsing sustainable materials requires more than just looking for labels like “eco-friendly” or “bio-based”, it is about understanding the full life cycle of a material, from raw material extraction to disposal. A sustainable choice considers how the material is sourced, how it performs over time, and what happens to it at the end of its life. When selecting materials designers can start by checking the content of the materials and ask if it is made from renewable, responsibly-sourced and non-toxic components. It is beneficial to avoid being misled by terms like "bio-based”, which don't necessarily mean biodegradable or easily recyclable. Some bio-based materials still require complex chemical processing and high-end recycling technologies, making their overall environmental impact still quite high. Some composites, despite being labeled recyclable, require complex separation processes that make recycling impractical. In contrast, materials that can be readily recycled within existing systems or composted naturally provide better long-term solutions. Ultimately, sustainable material choices are about balance. There is no perfect solution, but by considering a material’s full journey, you can make better-informed decisions that align with both environmental responsibility and practical use.
