Food waste, Mineral waste

Ecochic Innovations

Ecochic-plastic is a bioplastic derived from food and mineral waste, which integrates natural dyeing techniques to achieve exceptional aesthetic innovation. Compared to other biomaterials, it offers a broader range of colour and texture options, expanding its potential applications in fashion & accessory design and commercial sectors.

The material makes significant breakthroughs in two areas: its appearance and its production standards. By seamlessly incorporating natural dyeing methods with bioplastic technology, it overcomes challenges, such as chemical reactions, and achieves a balance between the unpredictable textures imparted by natural dyes and the consistency required for high-quality materials. This was made possible through large systematic experimentation in formulation, preparation techniques, and dyeing processes. By pre-treating raw materials, refining compound formulations, altering the production sequence, and adjusting environmental factors like temperature and pressure, Ecochic-Plastic has established an industrial production standard. The result is four high-quality collections, available in both transparent and matte finishes, dyed using plant and mineral-based materials.

Through material testing and background analysis, this biodegradable material effectively contributes to the circular economy in four key aspects: • Renewable and recycled raw material sources without competing with food production. • Safe and non-toxic preparation methods. • Material recycling and reproduction, the test, shows that waste trimmings can be re-melted and produced with no change in quality from the original material. • Supporting the preservation of traditional techniques and ethnobotanical knowledge while creating market incentives

The primary components of Ecochic-Plastic, namely pectin and chitosan, are derived from agricultural by-products such as peels and shells. This bioplastic presents an opportunity for remote areas in China, endowed with these material sources, to generate enhanced economic returns through small-scale investments. Simultaneously, traditional dyeing techniques practised in ethnic minority areas, traditionally passed down through generations by women, are experiencing a decline due to ongoing economic development. In this context, Ecochic-Plastic not only offers novel applications for these techniques but also seeks to collaborate with craftswomen, providing them with new job opportunities.

Text submitted by the maker and edited by the Future Materials Bank. For information about reproducing (a part of) this text, please contact the maker.