
5 Best Sustainable Materials in Industrial Design
Sustainability is a boon for our future generations. It is equally important in the forefront of industrial design in Australia. Sustainable materials allow designers and manufacturers to reduce products’ environmental impact without compromising their functionality and aesthetic appeal.
The sustainable materials can help the society and the overall nation, they allow for the creation of durable, eco-friendly products. This article explores five sustainable materials shaping the future of industrial design in Australia.
1. Recycled Metals
Recycled metals, such as aluminium, steel, and copper, are widely used in industrial design due to their durability, versatility, and reduced environmental impact. Aluminium, for instance, is one of the most commonly recycled metals and can be reused indefinitely without losing its properties.
Recycled metals play a pivotal role in alleviating energy consumption compared to producing new materials from raw ores. Steel is another commonly recycled metal used in construction, furniture, and various products. Designers can incorporate these materials to create unique designs for best results.
2. Hemp
Hemp has emerged as a sustainable material in industrial design. It offers many environmental benefits. Believe it or not! Hemp is one of the best renewable resources that grow quickly without using the pesticides or herbicides. It has a wide range of uses, from textiles to construction materials, and is particularly known for its strength and durability.
In the design landscape, hemp can be used in products such as biodegradable plastics, insulation materials, and furniture. Hemp is also a carbon-negative material, which can absorb carbon dioxide than it releases during its growth and processing. Understanding of sustainable materials can help you generate great job opportunities as an industrial designer in Australia.
3. Recycled Plastics
Recycled plastics are another popular material in sustainable industrial design. Plastics are typically derived from petroleum-based resources, but recycling helps divert them from landfills and reduces the need for new plastic production.
Recycled plastics are used in a variety of products, including furniture, packaging, and construction materials. They are especially appealing because they offer the flexibility of plastic with a lower environmental impact. The process of turning waste plastics into useful products is continually improving, making it easier to incorporate this material into the design of everyday products.
4. Bamboo
Bamboo is rapidly gaining popularity after 3D printing in industrial design in Australia due to its impressive sustainability credentials. As one of the fastest-growing plants on the planet, bamboo can be harvested in just a few years, making it a renewable resource. It is highly durable and versatile, used in furniture, flooring, and even building construction. Bamboo is also biodegradable, so it has a minimal environmental footprint when discarded.
5. Mycelium
Mycelium is referred as a root structure of fungi. It is an innovative material that is gaining attention in industrial design for its sustainable and biodegradable properties. It is hard to believe but Mycelium can be grown in moulds to create custom shapes and forms, and that’s why it is one of the most versatile materials.
This natural material is lightweight and strong and can be used in packaging, furniture, and even as an alternative to leather and plastic. One of the key benefits of Mycelium is that it is fully biodegradable making it a highly sustainable alternative to synthetic materials. In Australia, many leading educational institutes have been teaching the importance of sustainable materials in industrial design and other sectors.
Wrapping Up
Adopting sustainable materials in industrial design can bring many benefits. It can reduce landfill waste, carbon deposits, and greenhouse gas emissions and protect non-renewable energy for future generations.