Thomas Vailly — the founder of Eindhoven-based Studio Thomas Vailly, embarks on a collaboration with scientists from the Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Ingénieurs en Arts Chimiques Et Technologiques (ENSIACET) and together, the parties seek to develop a bio material that could benefit the sustainable movement of product development and design.
For the incredibly adventurous project, the collaborators look toward sunflower crop waste. Quite ambitious, Thomas Vailly wanted to create a useful bio material, as well as a non-synthetic binder and a non-toxic varnish. The primary material is gathered through a "second harvest" and then separated into piles of bark and marrow. The bark is heated and pressed, while the marrow is turned into a light and foamy composite bio material through the addition of water-based glue. Each has different uses and implications for conscious design.
Sunflower-Based Bio Materials
Thomas Vailly Explores the Uses of Crops in Product Development
Trend Themes
1. Sunflower-based Bio Materials - Exploring the use of sunflower crop waste to create sustainable bio materials for product development and design.
2. Non-synthetic Binders and Varnishes - Developing non-synthetic binders and varnishes that are environmentally friendly and non-toxic.
3. Second Harvesting - Creating new products through second harvesting the waste materials of crops like sunflowers.
Industry Implications
1. Sustainable Product Development - Opportunities for sustainable product development through the use of eco-friendly bio materials.
2. Adhesives and Coatings - Creating eco-friendly adhesives and coatings for a variety of industries.
3. Agricultural Waste Management - New ways to manage agricultural waste materials to create innovative products.