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.
Everything that happens with a material after its lifespan: biodegrade, recycle, reuse etc.
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Material derived from animals.
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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.
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A place where materials are stored and shared in a digital as well as physical archive.
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Able to decay and be decomposed through natural processes.
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A substance that is based on naturally produced raw materials by living organisms.
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Plastic derived from biological substances as opposed to those derived from petroleum. Not all bioplastics are biodegradable.
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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.
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A rigid, flat material often applicable to construction purposes.
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Any basic substance that is used in or produced by a reaction involving changes to atoms or molecules.
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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.
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Sustainable cleaning alternatives that are free of toxic chemicals.
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A material that consists of several different substances.
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Recycling waste into a material that is lower in quality and functionality than the original material’s purpose.
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A material’s ability to last and be used over an extended period of time.
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A natural substance applied in a liquid solution used to change the colour of a material.
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Eco-friendly, Ecological
Not harmful to the natural environment.
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Relating to the impact of human activity on the natural world in which people, animals and plants coexist.
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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.
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A thread or filament that can be used for making products such as cloth and rope.
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Materials that support and promote the transition towards more sustainable art and design practices.
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A liquid substance that can be applied to create a coating or finish with the purpose to protect or decorate.
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An adhesive substance used to bond materials together, produced from animal bones, skin, or plants.
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Material derived from the human body.
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A coloured fluid or paste used for writing, drawing, printing, etc.
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Low impact on the environment by human activity in terms of energy use, pollution, contamination, and other damages to the ecosystem and biodiversity.
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A substance from which a thing is or can be made.
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As found in nature and not made by humankind.
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A viscous liquid that is obtained from animals or plants and commonly used as a carrier, lubricant, etc.
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Does not use chemical fertilisers, pesticides, or other artificial toxic substances in the growing process of plants and animals.
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A mixture of pigment and a carrier liquid to form a layer when spread on a surface.
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A thin sheet made from wood pulp, rags, straw, or other fibrous substances.
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A natural substance applied to change the colour of a material.
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Derived entirely or predominantly of plants.
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A material that does not include any plastics.
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A polymer is a chemical compound with molecules bonded together in long, repeating chains. Polymers are both man-made and naturally occurring.
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A material which can be disassembled and repurposed. Its afterlife is the beginning of a new material cycle.
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A material or object that is converted from waste to be used again for the same or different purpose.
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New plastic that is converted from specific recyclable plastics.
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A material that is not only sustainable but restores, renews, or revitalises the ecosystem, especially after its environment or itself have been damaged.
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Able to be used more than once for similar applications without going through a recycling process.
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Various artificial materials designed to respond in particular ways when exposed to certain environmental stimuli.
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A material or process which works towards the long term conservation of ecological balance.
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A flexible material consisting of a network of fibres.
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Reusing or recycling waste into a material that is higher in quality, functionality and economic value than the original material.
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The degree of accessibility and replicability of a material for different practices and in different contexts.
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No ingredients from animal origin have been used in the production process of this material.
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A malleable substance, typically soft and moldable when heated. Derives from the exudate of insects or obtained from plants.
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