P R O L E A R N
FUTURE FOOD + DRINK
The food and beverage industry is undergoing a significant transformation driven by technological advancements, sustainability concerns, and evolving consumer demands. This shift is reshaping how we produce, consume, and think about food and drink.
Key Characteristics
Sustainability Focus: Emphasis on environmentally friendly practices throughout the supply chain.
Technology Integration: Adoption of AI, IoT, and other digital technologies in production and distribution.
Novel Ingredients: Exploration of alternative protein sources and functional ingredients.
Benefits
Environmental Impact: Sustainable practices could reduce the industry's carbon footprint by up to 50%.
Health and Wellness: Functional ingredients and personalised nutrition can improve consumer health outcomes.
Efficiency Gains: Digital technologies could create value worth up to 12% of the industry's GVA over the next decade.
Challenges and Considerations
Regulatory Adaptation: Keeping pace with innovations in food technology and ingredients.
Consumer Acceptance: Overcoming scepticism towards novel food technologies and ingredients.
Supply Chain Resilience: Building flexible systems to withstand global disruptions.
Innovative Applications
Cultivated Meat: Lab-grown meat products reducing reliance on traditional animal agriculture.
Precision Fermentation: Producing animal proteins without animals, potentially revolutionising dairy alternatives.
AI-Powered Product Development: Using artificial intelligence to discover new ingredients and optimise formulations.
Future Outlook
The future of food and drink will likely see increased personalization, with AI and data analytics enabling tailored nutritional solutions. Sustainability will remain a key driver, with more emphasis on upcycling, alternative proteins, and regenerative agriculture practices.
Call to Action:
Evaluate your current product portfolio and production processes for opportunities to integrate sustainable practices and innovative technologies. Consider partnering with food tech startups or research institutions to stay at the forefront of industry developments.
Made of Air is a climate-focused materials company founded in 2016 by Allison Dring and Daniel Schwaag. The company's founding mission was to transform waste biomass into high-value, carbon-negative materials for industrial use, providing a sustainable alternative to fossil-based materials. Made of Air's current mission is to drive the transition to a net-zero economy by decarbonizing supply chains across various industries, including mobility, consumer goods, and the built environment. The core values of Made of Air revolve around innovation, sustainability, and responsibility, with a purpose to reverse climate change through carbon removal and circular material solutions.
Location
Headquarters: Berlin, Germany.
Primary manufacturing/operations locations: Berlin region, with plans for expansion.
Note: Strategic location in Berlin to foster innovation and collaboration with industry partners.
The Circular Vision
Core circular economy principles: Designing out waste, using waste biomass, and creating fully recyclable materials.
Key innovations: Development of carbon-negative materials from biochar and bioplastics, promoting circular design.
Prioritization of local sourcing and closed-loop supply chains: Emphasis on local materials and production to reduce environmental impact.
Pioneering Solutions
Flagship products: Carbon-negative materials used in various applications, including facade panels for Audi and sunglasses for H&M.
Unique value propositions: High-performance, sustainable materials that remove carbon from the atmosphere and support a circular economy.
The Regenerative Future
R&D focus areas: Advancing recycling technologies, developing new sustainable materials, and optimizing circular design processes.
Ambitious goals: To lead the industry in sustainable practices, create zero-waste products, and inspire a shift towards more responsible consumption.
Fact Sheet
Commercial Availability: Materials available for use by various industries through partnerships and collaborations.
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD): Information not available.
Circularity Rating: 5/5 (Designed for full circularity).
Key Certifications: Information not available.
Cost Rating: Information not available.
Material Passport: Detailed material traceability and use of waste biomass and sustainable materials.
Designed for Disassembly: Yes, products are designed for easy disassembly and recycling.
Carbon Performance: Focus on carbon-negative materials, removing CO2 from the atmosphere.
Key Takeaway
Made of Air is a pioneering company that transforms waste biomass into high-performance, carbon-negative materials, driving significant advancements in circularity and sustainability across various industries.
Explore Further
Made of Air website: https://www.madeofair.com
Putting carbon to work: https://www.madeofair.com/our-process
OXMAN is a design and technology company founded by Neri Oxman, an Israeli-American architect, designer, and professor known for her work at the intersection of design, biology, computing, and materials engineering. The company was established with the mission to create a future of complete synergy between nature and humanity by fusing design, technology, and biology. OXMAN's current mission focuses on accelerating systems-level change through innovative design and sustainable practices. Core values include innovation, sustainability, and interdisciplinary collaboration, with a purpose to redefine the relationship between design, materials, and the environment.
Location
Headquarters: New York, USA.
Primary manufacturing/operations locations: Various global locations for projects and collaborations.
The Circular Vision
Core circular economy principles: Designing out waste, using sustainable and biodegradable materials, and creating products and environments that promote environmental awareness and sustainable practices.
Key innovations: Development of projects like the Aguahoja Pavilion, which uses biocomposite materials derived from natural sources such as shrimp shells and fallen leaves, and the Silk Pavilion, which integrates biological organisms like silkworms into the fabrication process.
Prioritization of local sourcing and closed-loop supply chains: Emphasis on using locally sourced, sustainable materials and production methods to minimize environmental impact and support local economies.
Pioneering Solutions
Flagship projects: Aguahoja Pavilion (biocomposite structure), Silk Pavilion (biological fabrication with silkworms), and Man-Nahāta (urban design project envisioning a nature-centric future for Manhattan).
Unique value propositions: High-quality, innovative design solutions that prioritize circularity, material reuse, and environmental responsibility. OXMAN's work is known for its ability to create immersive, thought-provoking environments that connect with diverse audiences while promoting sustainability.
The Regenerative Future
R&D focus areas: Advancing sustainable design techniques, exploring new applications for biodegradable and bio-based materials, and developing solutions that further reduce waste and energy consumption in design and production processes.
Ambitious goals: To lead the design industry in sustainable practices, create zero-waste products and installations, and inspire a shift towards a regenerative approach to design and environmental stewardship.
Fact Sheet
Commercial Availability: Design services and products available through collaborations, exhibitions, and partnerships with cultural institutions and businesses.
Circularity Rating: 5/5 (Strong focus on integrating circular economy principles in design and production).
Key Certifications: Information not available.
Cost Rating: 4/5 (Competitive with high-end design services, with significant value in sustainability and innovation).
Material Passport: Detailed material traceability and use of biodegradable and sustainable materials in many projects.
Designed for Disassembly: Yes, many projects are designed with consideration for future adaptability and material reuse.
Carbon Performance: Focus on reducing carbon footprint through the use of sustainable materials and local production. Committed to minimizing environmental impact through efficient design and manufacturing processes.
Key Takeaway
OXMAN transforms the design industry through innovative, sustainable solutions that prioritize circular economy principles, setting a benchmark for environmental responsibility and material innovation in contemporary design.
Explore Further
Karuun is a sustainable materials company founded by Fabian Gatermann and Oliver Kessler. The company was established with the mission to create innovative, eco-friendly materials derived from rattan, a naturally renewable resource. Karuun's current mission focuses on transforming rattan into high-performance materials that can replace conventional plastics and composites, promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility. Core values include sustainability, innovation, and responsibility, with a purpose to harness the potential of natural materials to create a better future.
Location
Headquarters: Stuttgart, Germany.
Primary manufacturing/operations locations: Various locations in Indonesia, where rattan is sourced and processed.
Note: Strategic location in Indonesia to optimize local sourcing, distribution, and collaboration with local communities.
The Circular Vision
Core circular economy principles: Designing out waste, using renewable and sustainable materials, and creating products that are fully recyclable.
Key innovations: Development of Karuun® materials, which are made from rattan and processed using a patented technology that enhances the material's properties while maintaining its natural characteristics.
Prioritization of local sourcing and closed-loop supply chains: Emphasis on using locally sourced rattan and sustainable production methods to minimize environmental impact and support local economies.
Pioneering Solutions
Flagship products: Karuun® Shine, Karuun® Stripe, and Karuun® 3D, which are used in various applications such as furniture, interior design, and consumer goods.
Unique value propositions: High-quality, sustainable materials that prioritize circularity, material reuse, and environmental responsibility. Karuun® products are known for their unique aesthetics, durability, and eco-friendly properties.
The Regenerative Future
R&D focus areas: Advancing sustainable material technologies, optimizing production processes, and developing new applications for Karuun® materials.
Ambitious goals: To lead the materials industry in sustainable practices, create zero-waste products, and inspire a shift towards a regenerative approach to material design.
Fact Sheet
Commercial Availability: Products available globally through direct sales and partnerships with designers and manufacturers.
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD): Information not available.
Circularity Rating: 5/5 (Designed for full circularity).
Key Certifications: Information not available.
Cost Rating: 4/5 (Competitive with conventional alternatives, with significant cost savings in sustainable materials).
Material Passport: Detailed material traceability and use of renewable rattan.
Designed for Disassembly: Yes, products are designed for easy disassembly and recycling.
Carbon Performance: Focus on reducing carbon footprint through sustainable materials and local production.
Key Takeaway
Karuun transforms rattan into high-quality, sustainable materials, setting a benchmark for circularity and environmental responsibility in the materials industry.
Explore Further
Karuun website: https://www.karuun.com/en/
Sustainability overview: https://www.karuun.com/en/about-us/
Example product: Karuun® materials - https://www.karuun.com/en/products/
Alice Potts is a London-based designer and bio-fabricator known for her innovative approach to sustainable fashion and material research. She established her practice with the mission to explore the potential of biomaterials and human bodily fluids in design. Potts' current approach focuses on integrating circular economy principles into her design processes, creating wearable art and sustainable products from unconventional materials such as human sweat and food waste. Core values include sustainability, innovation, and biomaterial research, with a purpose to redefine the relationship between fashion, materials, and the environment.
Location
Headquarters: London, United Kingdom.
Primary manufacturing/operations locations: Various locations based on project requirements and collaborations..
The Circular Vision
Core circular economy principles: Designing out waste, using biodegradable and sustainable materials, and creating products that promote environmental awareness and sustainable practices.
Key innovations: Development of wearable art pieces such as the "INPerspire" baseball caps, which feature crystals grown from human sweat, and biodegradable face shields made from food waste and flowers.
Prioritization of local sourcing and closed-loop supply chains: Emphasis on using locally sourced waste materials and sustainable production methods to minimize environmental impact and support local economies.
Pioneering Solutions
Flagship projects: Potts' portfolio includes innovative projects such as "INPerspire" (baseball caps with sweat crystals), biodegradable face shields for the NGV Triennale, and various other works that explore the potential of biomaterials in fashion and design.
The Regenerative Future
R&D focus areas: Advancing sustainable material development techniques, exploring new applications for biomaterials, and developing solutions that further reduce waste and energy consumption in fashion and design production processes.
Ambitious goals: To lead the fashion industry in sustainable practices, create zero-waste products, and inspire a shift towards a regenerative approach to material design and usage.
Fact Sheet
Commercial Availability: Design pieces and services available through collaborations, exhibitions, and partnerships with brands and institutions.
Circularity Rating: 5/5 (Strong focus on integrating circular economy principles and waste reduction in design).
Cost Rating: High-end pricing for innovative and sustainable design pieces.
Material Passport: Detailed use of biomaterials and sustainable materials in projects, with emphasis on their environmental and ethical significance.
Designed for Disassembly: Yes, many projects focus on biodegradability and material reuse.
Carbon Performance: Focus on reducing carbon footprint through the use of sustainable materials and local production. Specific carbon metrics not provided.
Key Takeaway
Alice Potts transforms the fashion and design industry through innovative use of biomaterials and circular design principles, setting a benchmark for environmental responsibility and material innovation in contemporary design.
Explore Further
Alice Potts website: https://www.alicepotts.com
Studio Sanne Visser is a design studio founded by Dutch designer Sanne Visser, based in London, UK. Established in 2016, the studio was founded with the mission to explore material innovation and sustainability through design research. Studio Sanne Visser's current mission focuses on closing the loop of the human hair waste stream through design and research to add value to the circular bio-economy. Core values include innovation, sustainability, and waste reduction, with a purpose to redefine the relationship between design, materials, and the environment.
Location
Headquarters: London, United Kingdom.
Primary manufacturing/operations locations: Various locations based on project requirements and collaborations.
The Circular Vision
Core circular economy principles: Designing out waste, using human hair as a sustainable material resource, and creating closed-loop systems for material production.
Key innovations: Development of techniques to transform human hair waste into yarns, ropes, and other materials for use in various products. Projects like "The New Age of Trichology" showcase innovative uses of human hair in design.
Prioritization of local sourcing and closed-loop supply chains: Emphasis on collecting hair waste from local hairdressers and collaborating with local craftspeople to create sustainable, locally-sourced products.
Pioneering Solutions
Flagship projects: "The New Age of Trichology" (transforming human hair into utilitarian objects), "Extended" (creating mirrors using human hair rope), and ongoing PhD research on integrating human hair into the circular bio-economy.
Unique value propositions: High-quality, innovative design solutions that prioritize circularity, waste reduction, and environmental responsibility. Studio Sanne Visser's work is known for its ability to transform overlooked waste materials into desirable, sustainable alternatives.
The Regenerative Future
R&D focus areas: Advancing material innovation techniques for human hair, exploring new applications for hair-based materials, and developing solutions that further reduce waste and energy consumption in material production processes.
Ambitious goals: To lead the design industry in sustainable practices using human hair, create zero-waste production systems, and inspire a shift towards a regenerative approach to material design and usage.
Fact Sheet
Commercial Availability: Design services, products, and research available through collaborations, exhibitions, and partnerships with industry.
Circularity Rating: 5/5 (Strong focus on circular economy principles and waste reduction).
Key Certifications: Information not available, but nominated for various awards including AFFA Award and New Material Award.
Cost Rating: 4/5 (Competitive with innovative material development services, with significant value in sustainability and innovation).
Material Passport: Detailed material traceability focusing on human hair waste streams.
Designed for Disassembly: Information not explicitly provided, but emphasis on circular systems suggests consideration for end-of-life.
Carbon Performance: Focus on reducing carbon footprint through the use of waste materials and local production. Committed to minimizing environmental impact through efficient design and manufacturing processes.
Key Takeaway
Studio Sanne Visser transforms the design industry through innovative, sustainable solutions that prioritize circular economy principles, setting a benchmark for environmental responsibility and waste reduction by reimagining human hair as a valuable material resource.
Explore Further
Studio Sanne Visser website: https://sannevisser.com
About Sanne Visser: https://sannevisser.com/About
Malai Eco is a sustainable materials company founded by Susmith C S, a product designer and maker from Kerala, India, and Zuzana Gombosova, a material researcher. The company was established with the mission to create a new, sustainable material from agricultural waste, specifically from the coconut industry in Southern India. Malai's current mission focuses on producing high-quality, eco-friendly materials that can replace animal leather and synthetic alternatives. Core values include sustainability, innovation, and responsibility, with a purpose to transform waste into valuable resources and promote a circular economy.
Location
Headquarters: Kerala, India.
Primary manufacturing/operations locations: Southern India, working alongside local coconut farmers and processing units.
Note: Strategic location in Southern India to optimize local sourcing, distribution, and collaboration with coconut farmers.
The Circular Vision
Core circular economy principles: Designing out waste, using organic and sustainable materials, and creating products that are fully biodegradable.
Key innovations: Development of Malai, a material made from bacterial cellulose grown on agricultural waste sourced from the coconut industry. The process involves fermenting coconut water to produce bacterial cellulose, which is then combined with natural fibers to create a durable and flexible material.
Prioritization of local sourcing and closed-loop supply chains: Emphasis on using local agricultural waste and production to minimize environmental impact and support local economies.
Pioneering Solutions
Flagship products: Malai material, which can be used for various applications such as fashion accessories, footwear, and interior design.
Unique value propositions: High-quality, sustainable material that prioritizes circularity, material reuse, and environmental responsibility. Malai is known for its versatility, durability, and eco-friendly properties.
The Regenerative Future
R&D focus areas: Advancing sustainable material technologies, optimizing production processes, and developing new applications for Malai.
Ambitious goals: To lead the material industry in sustainable practices, create zero-waste products, and inspire a shift towards a regenerative approach to material design.
Fact Sheet
Commercial Availability: Products and materials available through direct sales and partnerships with brands.
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD): Information not available.
Circularity Rating: 5/5 (Designed for full circularity).
Key Certifications: Information not available.
Cost Rating: 4/5 (Competitive with conventional alternatives, with significant cost savings in sustainable materials).
Material Passport: Detailed material traceability and use of organic and sustainable materials.
Designed for Disassembly: Yes, products are designed for easy disassembly and material reuse.
Carbon Performance: Focus on reducing carbon footprint through sustainable materials and local production.
Key Takeaway
Malai transforms agricultural waste into high-quality, sustainable materials, setting a benchmark for circularity and environmental responsibility in the material design industry.
Explore Further
Malai website: https://malai.eco
Sustainability overview: https://malai.eco/blogs/malai-material
Example product: Malai material - https://malai.eco/collections/materials
Ottan Studio is a green-tech company founded by Ayşe Yılmaz, based in London, UK, with operations in Ankara, Turkey. The studio was established with the mission to develop innovative materials from food and agricultural waste, promoting sustainability in design and construction. Ottan's current mission focuses on transforming organic waste into high-quality, durable bio-composite materials for use in interior design, furniture, and architectural applications. Core values include innovation, sustainability, and circular economy principles, with a purpose to redefine the relationship between waste, materials, and the environment.
Location
Headquarters: London, United Kingdom.
Primary manufacturing/operations locations: Ankara, Turkey, with potential for local production in various regions.
Note: Strategic locations to leverage expertise in biotechnology and design, while fostering international collaborations and supporting local waste management initiatives.
The Circular Vision
Core circular economy principles: Designing out waste, using food and agricultural waste as raw materials, and creating products that promote environmental awareness and sustainable practices.
Key innovations: Development of bio-composite materials containing 50% to 90% upcycled organic waste, such as fruit peels, expired grains, nut shells, and leaves. These materials retain natural colors and textures without artificial additives.
Prioritization of local sourcing and closed-loop supply chains: Strong emphasis on collecting waste from local producers, supporting regional waste management, and reducing transportation burdens.
Pioneering Solutions
Flagship projects: "Eggy & Moon" materials (made from eggshells and pistachio shells), various bio-composite panels for interior applications, and collaborations with designers for furniture and decorative objects.
Unique value propositions: High-quality, durable bio-composite materials that prioritize circularity, waste reduction, and environmental responsibility. Ottan's work is known for its ability to transform food and agricultural waste into valuable, aesthetically pleasing materials for various applications.
The Regenerative Future
R&D focus areas: Advancing bio-composite material development techniques, exploring new applications for food and agricultural waste, and developing solutions that further reduce waste and energy consumption in material production processes.
Ambitious goals: To lead the materials industry in sustainable practices, create zero-waste production systems, and inspire a shift towards a regenerative approach to material design and usage in construction and interior design.
Fact Sheet
Commercial Availability: Bio-composite materials available for interior wall coverings, furniture, and various design products.
Circularity Rating: 5/5 (Strong focus on circular economy principles and waste reduction).
Key Certifications: Winner of several sustainability challenges and incubator programs.
Cost Rating: Information not available.
Material Passport: Detailed material traceability with 65-85% organic waste content in each material.
Designed for Disassembly: Information not explicitly provided, but emphasis on sustainability suggests potential for end-of-life considerations.
Carbon Performance: Focus on reducing carbon footprint through the use of waste materials and local production. Committed to lowering the carbon footprint of produced goods.
Key Takeaway
Ottan Studio transforms the materials industry through innovative, sustainable solutions that prioritize circular economy principles, setting a benchmark for environmental responsibility and waste reduction in bio-composite material development for interior design and construction.
Explore Further
Ottan Studio website: https://www.ottanstudio.com
Blast Studio is a sustainability-focused design and maker studio based in North West London. Founded by Paola Garnousset, Martin Detoeuf, and Pierre de Pingon, the studio was established with the mission to transform urban waste into valuable design objects and architectural elements. Blast Studio's current approach focuses on integrating circular economy principles into their design processes, particularly using recycled coffee cups and mycelium. Core values include sustainability, innovation, and biomimicry, with a purpose to redefine the relationship between design, materials, and the environment.
Location
Headquarters: North West London, United Kingdom.
Primary manufacturing/operations locations: Various locations in London, particularly focusing on local waste collection and production.
The Circular Vision
Core circular economy principles: Designing out waste, using recycled materials, and creating products that promote environmental awareness and sustainable practices.
Key innovations: Development of a technique to transform discarded coffee cups into a biomaterial that can be 3D printed and combined with mycelium to create furniture and architectural elements.
Prioritization of local sourcing and closed-loop supply chains: Strong emphasis on collecting waste locally (e.g., coffee cups from West London cafés) and transforming it into new products within the same urban ecosystem.
Pioneering Solutions
Flagship projects: Blast Studio's portfolio includes innovative projects such as the Tree Column (a 2-meter high structural column made from recycled coffee cups and mycelium), the Tree Pavilion (an ambitious architectural project using their waste-based biomaterial), and various furniture pieces and objects made from urban waste.
The Regenerative Future
R&D focus areas: Advancing techniques for transforming urban waste into viable construction materials, exploring new applications for mycelium-based materials, and developing solutions that further reduce waste and energy consumption in design and production processes.
Ambitious goals: To lead the design industry in sustainable practices, create zero-waste products and buildings, and inspire a shift towards a regenerative approach to urban design and material usage.
Fact Sheet
Commercial Availability: Design pieces and services available through collaborations, exhibitions, and direct sales from their website.
Circularity Rating: 5/5 (Strong focus on integrating circular economy principles and waste reduction in design).
Key Certifications: Finalist for the Loewe Foundation Craft Prize 2022.
Material Passport: Detailed use of recycled materials in projects, with emphasis on their environmental and ethical significance.
Designed for Disassembly: Yes, many projects focus on biodegradability and material reuse.
Carbon Performance: Focus on reducing carbon footprint through the use of recycled materials and local production. Specific carbon metrics not provided.
Key Takeaway
Blast Studio transforms the design and architecture industry through innovative use of urban waste materials, setting a benchmark for environmental responsibility and material innovation in contemporary design.
Explore Further
Blast Studio website: https://blast-studio.com
Biohm is a pioneering research and development company founded by Dr. Ehab Sayed. The company's mission is to revolutionize the construction industry by allowing nature to lead innovation, creating regenerative, high-performance materials and products for the built environment. Biohm's core values revolve around biomimicry, circular economy principles, and human-centered design. The company aims to drive a paradigm shift in building technologies, materials, and manufacturing methods, leading the entire sector towards a circular future inspired by nature.
Location
Headquarters: London, United Kingdom.
Primary manufacturing/operations locations: Watchet, West Somerset (first manufacturing facility in collaboration with Onion Collective CIC).
Note: Strategic locations to optimize local sourcing, distribution, and collaboration with industry partners.
The Circular Vision
Core circular economy principles: Designing out waste, using bio-based and recycled materials, closed-loop manufacturing processes.
Key innovations: Mycelium insulation, Orb (Organic Refuse Biocompound), Triagomy (interlocking construction system), bio-manufacturing techniques.
Prioritization of local sourcing and closed-loop supply chains is a key focus.
Pioneering Solutions
Flagship products: Mycelium insulation, Orb (plant-based alternative to concrete), Triagomy construction system.
Unique value propositions: Carbon-negative buildings, agile infrastructure, drastic reductions in environmental impact, build times, and costs.
The Regenerative Future
R&D focus areas: Advancing biomimetic biotechnologies, sustainable material lifecycles, circular business models.
Ambitious goals: Revolutionizing the construction industry, creating a healthier and regenerative built environment.
Fact Sheet
Commercial Availability: Products and services available through partnerships and collaborations.
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD): Information not available.
Circularity Rating: 5/5 (Designed for full circularity).
Key Certifications: Information not available.
Cost Rating: Information not available.
Material Passport: Extensive use of bio-based and recycled materials, detailed material traceability.
Designed for Disassembly: Yes, Triagomy system designed for deconstruction and reuse.
Carbon Performance: Focus on carbon-negative buildings and reducing environmental impact.
Key Takeaway
Biohm is a pioneering force in sustainable construction, harnessing biomimetic principles and circular economy strategies to create regenerative building solutions that prioritize human, environmental, and economic needs, setting a new benchmark for the industry.
Explore Further
Biohm website: https://www.biohm.co.uk
Sustainability overview: https://www.biohm.co.uk/about