Pectin

Made for dissolution - P01, A material study

On average, we use a plastic bag for only about 25 minutes before it is discarded. Although synthetic materials like polyester are generally recyclable, the realisation of this process is unfortunately coming with numerous challenges, and recycling often does not occur. Consequently, the lifespan of these materials often exceeds the utility lifespan of the products.

Since the beginning of the Anthropocene, an epoch characterised by the significant influence of humans on the environment, excessive consumption of both materials and products has become firmly integrated into our Western lifestyle and continues to rise steadily. It is expected that our consumption behaviour will not undergo any massive changes in the next few years. The consumption of non-renewable resources such as mineral oils is expected to continue as well. Nonetheless, the ongoing demand for materials remains.

What would happen if the lifespan of our materials were shortened?

Making process

MADE FOR DISSOLUTION is a material study that explores the positive aspect of material instability.

Based on pectin, a by-product of the juice industry, water and glycerine, a leather-like material is created. Initially, water and glycerine are heated in a pot. The glycerine provides flexibility to the material. Subsequently, the pectin is gradually added. The mixture must be brought to a boil once before it can be poured onto a surface in its cooled state. The quantity of pectin also matters; the more pectin added, the firmer and more viscous the material becomes. Spirulina and beetroot are used mainly for dyeing the material.

The resulting material is serving as a regional alternative to synthetic materials, as it is fully biodegradable. Due to the material's biodegradability, the products can be used and carried until they begin to self-dissolve, leaving no waste behind.

MADE FOR DISSOLUTION - P01, A MATERIAL STUDY, does not offer a permanent solution to the current consumption problem or high material usage. Instead, it represents an exploration of the materials which products are made from, reflecting on individual consumption behaviour.

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.