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Sustainable Materials 2024
一起探索有趣的環保材料吧 Discover intriguing & eco-frindely materials with us~
Banana Leaf Packaging 香蕉葉包裝
香蕉葉包裝是許多熱帶地區的傳統包裝方式，常見於當地的慶祝活動和美食中、增添了文化特色。近幾年環保的風潮吹向東南亞，連超市也出現這種老祖宗的智慧了！香蕉葉長 1~3.5 公尺，寬 50~80 公分，主要台灣的種植地在高雄旗山。不過呢，我們台中有家「香蕉葉」在文心南七路，專門用香蕉葉來放置他們的食品，可以參考看看。
香蕉葉不僅是天然材料、能夠在自然環境中迅速降解並有效減少塑料包裝，香蕉葉還具有天然的抗菌性，可以有效防止細菌滋生，保持食品的新鮮度。香蕉葉包裝能有效保留食品的水分，減少氧化，延長食物的保鮮期，這使其成為包裝水果、蔬菜和熟食的理想選擇。希望台灣的生鮮超市在不久後也能將香蕉葉包裝考慮進去，而我們民眾看到後也別質疑它的保存效果吧，買它保存生蔬絕對夠夠的。
Banana leaf packaging has been a traditional method in many tropical regions, often seen in local celebrations and cuisine, adding a unique cultural touch. In recent years, the awareness of sustainability has risen across Southeast Asia, and even supermarkets have embraced this old wisdom from ancestors! Banana leaves typically range from 1 to 3.5 meters in length and 50 to 80 centimeters in width. The primarily agricultural region in Taiwan locates in Qishan, Kaohsiung. But that's alright. Here in Taichung, we have a restaurant called "Banana Leaf" on Wenxin South Seventh Road. They use banana leaves to serve their dishes. Be sure to check it out soon!
Banana leaves are not only a natural material that can rapidly degrade in the environment, thereby reducing plastic packaging waste, but they also have natural antibacterial properties. These properties help prevent bacterial growth, keeping food fresh. Banana leaf packaging can effectively retain moisture in food, reduce oxidation, and extend the shelf life of food, making it an ideal choice for packaging fruits and vegetables. Hopefully, Taiwan's fresh food supermarkets will soon consider using banana leaf packaging. By that tims, as consumers, we shouldn’t hesitate to buy this eco-frindely packageing. Banana leaves will work just as effective, I promiss you.
Jan.2024
Phosphor-etched Glass 磷蝕玻璃
磷蝕玻璃因其低毒性有取代傳統矽酸鹽玻璃的潛力，特別是在醫療領域。磷蝕玻璃的熔點比傳統玻璃低，使得生產過程中能耗更少，減少了碳足跡。傳統色彩玻璃的顏料都會用到鉛、鎘、銅、鉻等重金屬，而磷蝕玻璃的化學成分主要來自非金屬原料（如磷酸鹽），因此磷蝕玻璃的原料開採不需花大量能量，且對人體健康較安全。有藝術追求的顧客，不妨考慮磷蝕玻璃，其表面經過酸性溶液的腐蝕便能形成獨特的花紋和質感。
磷蝕玻璃在生物醫學領域的應用展現出良好的生物相容性，使其在製作醫療器械和植入物時能夠減少過敏反應的風險。磷蝕玻璃良好的化學穩定性和無毒性，使其成為食品和醫療包裝的理想選擇。近期，透過將磷蝕玻璃與LED技術結合的燈光設計，讓磷蝕玻璃也進入智能家居和互動藝術裝置的領域。磷蝕玻璃的獨特紋理和光散射特性可被應用於觸控屏幕和感應裝置，提供用戶更好的體驗。
最重要的是，磷蝕玻璃的高可回收性使其有效促進資源的有效利用、減少廢物。隨著對環保材料的需求增加，磷蝕玻璃將持續在設計界和科技領域中受到重視。
Phosphate glass has the potential to replace regular silicate glass in medical applications due to its low toxicity. Phosphate glass has a lower melting point than ordinary glass, which minimizes production energy consumption and carbon footprint. While poisonous metal ions such as lead, cadmium, copper, and chromium are common in traditional colored glass, the chemical composition of phosphate glass is predominantly generated from nonmetallic raw materials (such as phosphates), which represent a lower risk to human health and the environment. Phosphate glass is a promising alternative for clients interested in artistic endeavors since it can be etched with acidic solutions to create unique textures and patterns.
Phosphate glass demonstrates excellent biocompatibility in the biomedical field, reducing the risk of allergic reactions when used in medical devices and implants. Its high chemical stability and low toxicity make it an excellent choice for food and medical packaging. Recently, the combination of phosphate glass and LED technology has brought phosphate glass into smart homes and interactive art projects. Phosphate glass's unique textures and light-scattering qualities can be employed to touch displays and sensing devices to improve the user experience.
Most importantly, the high recyclability of phosphate glass promotes resource recycling and waste reduction. As the demand for eco-friendly materials continues to rise, phosphate glass will remain a substantial material in the sectors of design and technology.
Feb.2024
Biobased Foams 生物基泡沫
生物基泡沫可應用於包裝和建築中。隨著環境問題日益嚴重，科學家和工程師們開始尋找替代傳統石油基泡沫的解決方案，通過將生質資源（如大豆油和玉米澱粉）轉化為泡沫材料，生物基泡沫在提供良好的隔熱和緩衝性能的同時，也降低了對環境的傷害。
生物基泡沫的來源也越來越廣，例如 (ECO,DOT 設計品牌) 也將稻殼、竹子和農業廢棄物製成的生物基泡沫，並將這種極具「自然」感覺的材料應用於瑜伽墊、瑜伽磚、泡沫滾筒、鞋墊和鞋底、運動護具、拼接地墊和其他泡沫相關產品。其實生物基泡沫在隔熱性、抗壓性和耐用性等方面已達到了能媲美傳統材料的標準，是很值得注意的高效能、新型環保材料。其應用範圍也在不斷擴展，從包裝、建築到家具領域，都展示了其強大的市場潛力和永續價值。
Biobased foam can be applied in packaging and construction. As environmental issues worsen, scientists and engineers seek for alternatives to the traditional petroleum-based foams. By converting biomass such as soybean oil and corn starch into foam materials, biobased foams performed excellent insulation and cushioning properties while reducing environmental impact.
The precusors of biobased foams are also expanding. For instance, biobased foams made from rice husks, bamboo, and agricultural waste are being used by ECO.DOT company. They've utlilzed these biobased foams in yoga mats, yoga blocks, foam rollers, insoles, shoe soles, protective gear, and interlocking mats. In fact, biobased foams are just as effective as petroleum-based foams in terms of insulation, compressive strength, and durability, making them an efficient and noteworthy eco-friendly option. As a result, their range of applications is constantly expanding, displaying significant market potential and environmental value across industries ranging from packaging and construction to furniture.
Mar.2023
Mushroom Leather 蘑菇皮革
蘑菇皮革是透過在調節溫度、濕度的環境中培養蘑菇菌絲，並利用獨家技術將其加工製成片材。與動物皮革相比，蘑菇皮革可實現低碳生產，且一平方英尺的鞣製過程中約需4.6公升的水，僅製造動物皮革的3分之1，對環境友好。此外，蘑菇皮革的耐磨性相當出色，經測試其摩擦耐久性可達1,000至3,000次，因為這個蘑菇皮革絕對不是真的拿那一層香菇傘（菌蓋）就製成的，而是等到真菌菌絲體長到需要的大小、厚度、密度之後，再經過壓製、乾燥等處理。這些特性使蘑菇皮革成為服裝、配飾和家居用品等多種產品的理想選擇。
菌菇的生長條件真的比畜牧業對環境友善多了。首先，菌菇不需要大量砍伐森林清出場地，菌菇在有無光照環境下都可以生長，需要空間很小。其次，蘑菇不像牛羊會排放出大量的溫室氣體，因此對全球暖化是有正向影響的。計算下來菌菇皮革的碳足跡較低，生產過程中所需的能源消耗比傳統皮革少約50%至70%。最後，菌菇皮革也比動物皮革更好分解。
蘑菇皮革不僅符合環保理念，還能顯著降低對環境的影響。隨著可持續產品需求的增加，美國公司MycoWorks和Ecovative Design以及日系品牌FUMIKODA都在推行這種「零慘忍」的環保材料（蘑菇應該是不會慘叫吧）。
Mushroom leather is made by cultivating mycelium under controlled temperature and humidity conditions and then processing it into sheets using professional processes. Compared to animal leather, mushroom leather has a low carbon footprint. Mushroom leather requires just around 4.6 liters of water to tan every square foot, which is roughly one-third of the amount required for animal leather, making it environmentally sustainable. Furthermore, mushroom leather has high abrasion resistance, with a longevity of 1,000 to 3,000 cycles. Indeed, this leather is not simply manufactured from mushroom caps; rather, it is made by pressing and drying the mycelium after it has grown to an appropriate size. These properties make mushroom leather a sustainable material for apparel, accessories, and home furnishings.
The growing conditions for mushrooms are definitetly more environmentally friendly than those for livestock. Firstly, mushrooms do not require large-scale deforestation to clear land; they can thrive in both light and dark environments and need very little space. Secondly, mushrooms do not emit large amounts of greenhouse gases like cattle or sheep, which benefit our environment. Mushroom leather has a lower carbon footprint, with energy consumption during production being 50% to 70% less than that of traditional leather. Finally, mushroom leather is also more biodegradable than animal leather.
Mushroom leather not only aligns with eco-friendly principles but also significantly reduces negative impacts on global warming. With the increasing demand for sustainable products, American companies like MycoWorks and Ecovative Design, as well as the Japanese brand FUMIKODA, are promoting this “zero cruelty” material (If we assumed that mushrooms don’t scream).
Apr.2024
Sweet Potato Peel Skincare Products 紅薯皮護膚品
紅薯皮護膚品是一種創新的護膚產品，利用紅薯皮中的天然成分來促進肌膚健康。首先，紅薯皮富含維生素A、C和E，以及多酚和類黃酮等抗氧化劑，這些成分有助於對抗自由基，減少肌膚衰老的跡象。其次，紅薯皮的抗炎特性可以有效舒緩肌膚刺激，減輕紅腫和不適，特別適合乾燥和敏感肌膚。最後，紅薯皮中也有防曬、抗菌抗痘、改善皮膚瑕疵的功能。可見身為護膚產品，紅薯皮萃取液是個很棒的選擇。
紅薯皮護膚品通常不含有害化學物質，更符合現代消費者對天然和健康產品的需求，並且這些液體在排到下水道後也叫不會造成污染。下次選擇護膚品fACIAL mASK, Ambi, Myskinsfriend 這幾個有作紅薯皮護膚品的品牌喔。
Sweet potato peel skincare products are unique in the beauty sector. Sweet potato peel skincare treats our skin effectively while also being environmentally friendly. For starters, sweet potato peels are high in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as antioxidants such as polyphenols and flavonoids, which aid in the fight against free radicals and the reduction of aging symptoms. Second, sweet potato peels' anti-inflammatory characteristics can effectively relieve skin irritation, redness, and discomfort, making them ideal for dry and sensitive skin. Finally, sweet potato peels include sun protection, antimicrobial, and acne-fighting properties, making sweet potato extract an excellent ingredient for skincare products.
Sweet potato peel skincare products mostly don't contain harmful chemicals, aligning with modern consumers' demands for natural and healthy products. Furthermore, these products do not cause pollution when washed down the drain. Next time, when you choose skincare products, rememeber to consider brands like FACIAL MASK, Ambi, and Myskinsfriend, which offer sweet potato peel skincare options!
May.2024
Peanut Shell Brushes 花生殼環保刷
花生殼環保刷是以廢棄的花生殼作為原材料，粉碎後將其並轉化為刷毛或者刷柄。花生殼環保刷通常以聚乳酸(由玉米澱粉或其他植物材料製成）、天然樹脂（由松香製成）、水性膠水、植物基膠水等可被生物降解的材料將花生殼粉末黏起來，因此花生殼環保刷在減少農業廢料的同時，還對環境永續友好。
花生殼環保刷本身的功能也不錯，因為花生殼具有良好的硬度和韌性，使得這種刷子在清潔時能夠有效去除污垢而不刮傷表面，特別適合用於清潔餐具、廚具和其他家庭用品。此外，這種刷子耐用且可重複使用，降低了對一次性塑料刷的依賴。 以上花生殼環保刷的可降解性、永續性、實用性都逐漸受到消費者青睞，成為家庭清潔中的理想選擇。
Peanut shell brushes are made from discarded peanut shells, which are crushed and transformed into brush bristles or handles. These brushes often use biodegradable materials such as polylactic acid (PLA, derived from corn starch or other plant materials), natural resins (from rosin), water-based adhesives, and plant-based glues to bind the peanut shell powder together. This process not only reduces agricultural waste but also promotes environmental sustainability.
The performance of peanut shell brushes is quit effective. Since peanut shells are firm and resistant, peanut shell brushes can easily remove dirt without harming surfaces. They are useful in cleaning tableware, kitchen utensils, and other household objects. Furthermore, these brushes are long-lasting and reusable, reducing the need for disposable plastic brushes. Peanut shell brushes are becoming popular among customers due to their biodegradability, sustainability, and practicality, making them an optimal choice for daily cleaning.
Jun.2024
Sugarcane Paper 甘蔗紙
甘蔗紙主要由甘蔗纖維（也稱為蔗渣）製成，這些纖維是甘蔗加工後的副產品。製作甘蔗紙的過程包括清洗和處理蔗渣，然後將其磨碎並與水及其他天然成分（例如木漿、植物澆水、大豆油）混合，最終壓製成紙張。甘蔗紙的特性包括較高的抗撕裂性和耐水性，使其適用於多種用途，如包裝、手工藝和印刷。此外，甘蔗紙的色澤通常偏白或米色，並具有天然的質感，適合企業推廣環保時使用。
甘蔗紙能減少我們對森林資源的依賴，從而保護生態環境。此外，甘蔗紙的生產過程所需的能源較少，不會添加有毒的化學藥品造成污染，並且這種紙張在使用後通常可以回收或生物降解，進一步減少對環境的負面影響。也許可以從外賣包裝、練習用書法宣紙下手，甘蔗紙在台灣適合大力推廣。
Sugarcane paper is mostly composed of sugarcane fibers, also known as bagasse, which are byproducts of the sugarcane processing industry. Sugarcane paper is made by washing and filtering bagasse, then grinding and combining it with water and other natural components like wood pulp, plant-based adhesives, and soybean oil. Finally, press the mixture into the paper and allow it to dry. Sugarcane paper is known for its excellent durability and water resistance, making it ideal for a wide range of uses, including packaging, crafts, and printing. Furthermore, sugarcane paper has a white or beige color and a natural texture, making it excellent for enterprises that promote environmental responsibility.
Using sugarcane paper helps reduce our reliance on forest resources, thereby protecting the ecological environment. Besides, the production process for sugarcane paper requires less energy and doesn't involve using toxic chemicals that cause pollution. Sugarcane paper is usually recyclable or biodegradable, thereby minimizing its negative environmental impact. There is great potential for promoting sugarcane paper in Taiwan, especially for applications like takeaway packaging and practice calligraphy sheets.
Jul.2024
Grape Pomace Cling Film 葡萄渣保鮮膜
葡萄渣保鮮膜是由葡萄加工過程中產生的葡萄渣製成。將葡萄渣清洗、乾燥後，主要提取其含有的纖維素和多酚（其中多分提取葡萄渣中的多酚含有抗氧化和抗腐的性質），最後再加入天然乳化劑（如大豆卵磷脂或其他植物來源的乳化劑）已改善膜的結構和強度。這個混合物均勻塗在平面，風乾或烘乾後就會自然形成薄膜。藉由拉扯薄膜和測試其厚度，並調整混合比例，找到最適當的保鮮膜替代品。
與傳統的塑料保鮮膜相比，葡萄渣保鮮膜在能有效阻隔氧氣和水分的同時，還具備一點通透性能保持食品的水分平衡，幫助延長食品的保鮮期，特別適合用於包裝水果、蔬菜和熟食。葡萄渣保鮮膜以其可被生物降解的特性勝出傳統保鮮膜，有潛力成為食品包裝的替代材料。
Grape pomace cling film is created from grape pomace, which is formed during grape processing. After washing and drying the pomace, we extract cellulose and polyphenols (natural chemicals with antioxidant and anti-corrosive characteristics). The film's structure and strength are then improved by adding natural emulsifiers such as soy lecithin or other plant-based emulsifiers. This mixture is evenly placed on a flat surface and creates a thin film when air-dried or baked. Stretching the film and measuring its thickness allows the ideal mix ratios to be altered, resulting in an acceptable alternative to cling film.
Grape pomace cling film outstands the traditional plastic cling film in several ways. It can efficiently block oxygen and moisture while still maintaining some breathable properties, which helps to keep the moisture balance of the food. Grape pomace cling film can help increase the shelf life of food, making it ideal for packaging fruits, vegetables, and prepared foods. With its biodegradable qualities, grape pomace cling film is a possible alternative material for food packaging.
Aug.2024
Recycled Plastic Lumber 再生塑料木材
再生塑料木材是近年興起的環保建築材料，由回收的塑料材料（如塑料瓶和塑膠包裝等）經過加工而成。其製作過程包括將回收的塑料清洗、粉碎、熔融，然後模具成型。再生塑料木材的外觀和質感類似於傳統木材，但其性能卻更為卓越，具有防水、防腐和耐磨的特性，非常適合用於戶外建築和家具，如甲板、圍欄和園藝設施等。
再生塑料木材可以降低對地球樹木的砍伐，同時能100%回收循環再利用。再生塑料木材不僅防水防潮（不易吸收水分），不會滑動，不易變形或腐爛，更不含甲醛（有些木材會用的黏著劑）等有害物質。 在環保應用層面，再生塑料木材展現出極大的永續性。再生塑料木材的生產過程通常能耗較低且無毒，有望成為建築業和園藝領域的重要選擇，將我們最害怕的環保殺手：「塑膠」再利用。
Recycled plastic wood is a novel and eco-friendly building material, made from recycled plastic materials including plastic bottles and plastic packaging. The manufacturing process involves cleaning, shredding, and melting the recycled plastic, followed by molding into desired shapes. The appearance and texture of recycled plastic wood are similar to genuine wood, but its performance is higher, with waterproof, rot-resistant, and abrasion-resistant features, making it perfect for outdoor construction and furnishings such as decks, fences, and gardening structures.
Recycled plastic wood reduces the need for tree chopping while remaining 100% recyclable. It is waterproof and moisture-resistant (not easily absorbing water), does not slip, is resistant to deformation or rot, and is free of dangerous compounds such as formaldehyde (which is commonly used in adhesives for various wood goods). In terms of environmental uses, recovered plastic wood is highly sustainable. Its manufacturing technique often uses less energy and is non-toxic, establishing it as a viable option in the construction and gardening industries, effectively reusing the biggest environmental pollution: plastic.
Sep.2024
Mycelium Materials 菌絲材料
菌絲材料來自真菌的根系。科學家和設計師們注意到，菌絲在自然界中能夠迅速生長並有效地將有機廢物轉化為結構穩固的材料，於是經過多年的研究和實驗，他們成功將農業廢棄物（如稻殼、木屑和玉米殼）與特定的菌絲菌種相結合，生產出強度高且重量輕的材料。菌絲材料的耐用性、輕巧性和隔熱性，為材料科學開辟了新的可能性。
此外，菌絲材料的製備過程也不需要添加有害化學物質，單純靠真菌菌絲生長成纖維狀結構，這個材料變有極高的韌性。在建築領域，菌絲材料可用於製造隔熱板和輕質建材，提供良好的保溫效果，降低能源消耗。而在包裝方面，菌絲材料作為可生物降解的替代品，能夠有效減少塑料使用，降低環境污染。真菌真的很適合與環保結合呢。
Mycelium is derived from the root systems of fungi. Scientists and designers have discovered that mycelium can grow quickly in nature and convert biological waste into structurally stable products. After years of research, they've successfully blended agricultural waste, such as rice husks, wood chips, and maize stalks, with certain mycelium strains to create a robust and lightweight material. The durability, lightweight nature, and thermal insulation properties of mycelium materials open up new possibilities in materials science.
Furthermore, the preparation method for mycelium materials does not involve the use of toxic chemicals; it is exclusively based on the growth of fungal mycelium into fibrous structures, resulting in a material with exceptional durability. In the construction sector, mycelium materials can be used to manufacture insulation boards and lightweight building materials, providing effective thermal insulation and reducing energy consumption. In packaging, mycelium materials serve as biodegradable alternatives that can effectively reduce plastic use and decrease environmental pollution. Fungi truly align well with environmental sustainability efforts.
Oct.2024
