Understanding Biobased, Biofabricated, and Biomaterials: What’s the Difference?
As architects and designers, our chosen materials profoundly impact the environment and human health. With the increasing availability of "bio" materials, it's essential to distinguish between biobased, biofabricated, and biomaterials. This article will explore these key material types and showcase some innovative solutions available at Materials Assemble.
What is a Biomaterial?
A biomaterial is any material derived from natural biological sources like plants, animals, or fungi. These materials are often praised for their environmental benefits, but their overall sustainability hinges on sourcing, processing, and lifecycle impact.
For example, our natural clay plaster at Materials Assemble uses traditional techniques to create non-toxic, earthy surfaces. These plasters regulate humidity, absorb odors, and neutralize toxins, contributing to healthier indoor spaces. Their natural colors and textures bring the beauty of nature to walls and floors, perfect for homes, offices, or retail spaces.
What are Biobased Materials?
Biobased materials are derived partially or entirely from biological resources such as plants, algae, or agricultural waste. They offer eco-friendly alternatives to conventional products, but ensuring their composition and processing are sustainable is vital.
Fanocel, a sustainable biobased material available in our material library, is made from cellulose acetate and agri-food by-products. It is water-repellent, elastic, and non-toxic, making it ideal for applications like flooring, wall panels, and tiles. What sets Fanocel apart is its use of natural dyes from hemp, charcoal, and tobacco remnants. This not only minimizes environmental impact but also offers a wide range of design options, making it a truly sustainable choice.
What are Biofabricated Materials?
Biofabricated materials are grown using biological organisms such as bacteria, yeast, and fungi rather than being extracted or synthetically produced. They can be fully or partially fabricated and are increasingly used in construction for their low-impact production methods.
At Materials Assemble, we offer mycelium-based insulation and acoustic panels, which are biofabricated alternatives to petroleum-based foams. Mycelium grows into valuable products, providing a sustainable solution for design and building needs.
How Can These Materials Benefit Design?
Each material type offers unique advantages for sustainability and design:
- Natural Clay Plasters improve indoor air quality while providing natural beauty for interiors and exteriors.
- Fanocel is a durable, eco-friendly replacement for traditional plastics in high-traffic areas like flooring and wall panels.
- Biofabricated materials like mycelium provide innovative, sustainable options for acoustic treatments and insulation.
These materials allow architects and designers to enhance sustainability without compromising performance or aesthetics.
Where Can I Find These Materials?
At Materials Assemble, we offer a curated sustainable materials library featuring biobased and biofabricated solutions. From Natural Clay Plasters and Fanocel to mycelium-based insulation and algae tiles, our products are sourced with sustainability in mind. Each material is selected for its eco-friendly properties and ability to enhance design functionality and beauty.
