Lexicon

The Lexicon offers an interpretation of the most frequently used terms on the Future Materials Bank. To create a common understanding which reflects upon the ongoing transitions in the field of sustainability.

These definitions may differ depending on the context and may change over time. For these reasons, we continually review the Lexicon and welcome your comments and suggestions. Please do not hesitate to contact us.

Afterlife

Everything that happens with a material after its lifespan: biodegrade, recycle, reuse etc.

Rewritten 2 November, 2022


Animal material

Material derived from animals.

Rewritten 11 October, 2022


Bacteria

The simplest and smallest forms of life, often consisting of a single cell. Bacteria exist everywhere and live in communities. There are many different species of bacteria and their presence is vital to the planet’s ecosystem.

Rewritten 17 October, 2022


Bank

A place where materials are stored and shared in a digital as well as physical archive.

Rewritten 2 November, 2022


Biodegradable

Able to decay and be decomposed through natural processes.

Rewritten 2 November, 2022


Biomaterial

A substance that is based on naturally produced raw materials by living organisms.

Rewritten 11 October, 2022


Bioplastic

Plastic derived from biological substances as opposed to those derived from petroleum. Not all bioplastics are biodegradable.

Rewritten 2 November, 2022


Bioresin

A solid or liquid organic polymer used as the basis of plastics, adhesives, varnishes, or other products. In contrast with synthetic resins, bioresin is often exuded by trees and other plants. Resin is often insoluble in water.

Rewritten 2 November, 2022


Board material

A rigid, flat material often applicable to construction purposes.

Rewritten 2 November, 2022


Chemical

Any basic substance that is used in or produced by a reaction involving changes to atoms or molecules.

Rewritten 11 October, 2022


Circular

A closed-loop system based on the principles of minimising the use of resource inputs, the creation of waste, pollution and carbon emissions. Circular practices can involve reuse, sharing, repair, refurbishment, remanufacturing, recycling, etc.

Rewritten 2 November, 2022


Cleaning

Sustainable cleaning alternatives that are free of toxic chemicals.

Rewritten 2 November, 2022


Composite

A material that consists of several different substances.

Rewritten 2 November, 2022


Downcycle

Recycling waste into a material that is lower in quality and functionality than the original material’s purpose.

Rewritten 2 November, 2022


Durable

A material’s ability to last and be used over an extended period of time.

Rewritten 2 November, 2022


Dye

A natural substance applied in a liquid solution used to change the colour of a material.

Rewritten 2 November, 2022


Eco

Eco-friendly, Ecological

Not harmful to the natural environment.

Rewritten 11 October, 2022


Environmental

Relating to the impact of human activity on the natural world in which people, animals and plants coexist.

Rewritten 2 November, 2022


Fair trade

A way of buying and selling products that ensures that people involved throughout the supply chain receive a fair wage and work under good conditions.

Rewritten 2 November, 2022


Fibre

A thread or filament that can be used for making products such as cloth and rope.

Rewritten 2 November, 2022


Future materials

Materials that support and promote the transition towards more sustainable art and design practices.

Rewritten 2 November, 2022


Glaze

A liquid substance that can be applied to create a coating or finish with the purpose to protect or decorate.

Rewritten 2 November, 2022


Glue

An adhesive substance used to bond materials together, produced from animal bones, skin, or plants.

Rewritten 2 November, 2022


Human material

Material derived from the human body.

Rewritten 11 October, 2022


Ink

A coloured fluid or paste used for writing, drawing, printing, etc.

Rewritten 2 November, 2022


Low footprint

Low impact on the environment by human activity in terms of energy use, pollution, contamination, and other damages to the ecosystem and biodiversity.

Rewritten 2 November, 2022


Material

A substance from which a thing is or can be made.

Rewritten 11 October, 2022


Natural

As found in nature and not made by humankind.

Rewritten 2 November, 2022


Oil

A viscous liquid that is obtained from animals or plants and commonly used as a carrier, lubricant, etc.

Rewritten 2 November, 2022


Organic

Does not use chemical fertilisers, pesticides, or other artificial toxic substances in the growing process of plants and animals.

Rewritten 2 November, 2022


Paint

A mixture of pigment and a carrier liquid to form a layer when spread on a surface.

Rewritten 2 November, 2022


Paper

A thin sheet made from wood pulp, rags, straw, or other fibrous substances.

Rewritten 2 November, 2022


Pigment

A natural substance applied to change the colour of a material.

Rewritten 2 November, 2022


Plant-based

Derived entirely or predominantly of plants.

Rewritten 2 November, 2022


Plastic-free

A material that does not include any plastics.

Rewritten 2 November, 2022


Polymer

A polymer is a chemical compound with molecules bonded together in long, repeating chains. Polymers are both man-made and naturally occurring.

Rewritten 2 November, 2022


Recyclable

A material which can be disassembled and repurposed. Its afterlife is the beginning of a new material cycle.

Rewritten 2 November, 2022


Recycled

A material or object that is converted from waste to be used again for the same or different purpose.

Rewritten 2 November, 2022


Recycled plastic

New plastic that is converted from specific recyclable plastics.

Rewritten 2 November, 2022


Regenerative

A material that is not only sustainable but restores, renews, or revitalises the ecosystem, especially after its environment or itself have been damaged.

Rewritten 2 November, 2022


Reusable

Able to be used more than once for similar applications without going through a recycling process.

Rewritten 2 November, 2022


Smart material

Various artificial materials designed to respond in particular ways when exposed to certain environmental stimuli.

Rewritten 2 November, 2022


Sustainable

A material or process which works towards the long term conservation of ecological balance.

Rewritten 2 November, 2022


Textile

A flexible material consisting of a network of fibres.

Rewritten 2 November, 2022


Upcycle

Reusing or recycling waste into a material that is higher in quality, functionality and economic value than the original material.

Rewritten 2 November, 2022


Usability

The degree of accessibility and replicability of a material for different practices and in different contexts.

Rewritten 2 November, 2022


Vegan

No ingredients from animal origin have been used in the production process of this material.

Rewritten 2 November, 2022


Wax

A malleable substance, typically soft and moldable when heated. Derives from the exudate of insects or obtained from plants.

Rewritten 2 November, 2022