Made of Air, a German sustainable materials startup uses its proprietary bioplastic of the same name to absorb pollution. The recyclable material sequesters carbon within it, making it carbon-negative. Made of Air is made primarily from carbon and can store twice as much carbon dioxide as its plastic content. Using the bioplastic, the startup plans to be storing the equivalent of a gigatonne of carbon dioxide per year by 2050.
Made of Air takes advantage of an innovative material called biochar for its carbon-sequestering quality. Biochar is created by burning up biomass without oxygen. When melted down, the biochar in Made of Air can be formed into different shapes using sugar cane as a binding agent. Given its flexibility, the bioplastic material was used in a pair of H&M sunglasses as well as facade modules created for an Audi showroom's exterior.
Pollution-Absorbing Bioplastic Materials
Made of Air is an Innovative Carbon-Negative Material
Trend Themes
1. Carbon-negative Bioplastics - The creation of carbon-negative bioplastic materials presents an opportunity for companies to reduce their carbon footprint and adopt more sustainable practices.
2. Biochar-based Materials - Biochar-based materials have the potential to revolutionize the manufacturing industry by allowing for the creation of carbon-sequestering materials with a wide range of applications.
3. Biomass Waste Management - Innovative biomass waste management strategies can be developed to create new materials from waste, such as biochar, and reduce harmful pollution through carbon sequestration.
Industry Implications
1. Packaging - By creating carbon-negative bioplastics and utilizing biochar-based materials, the packaging industry can reduce its environmental impact and offer more sustainable solutions for product packaging.
2. Automotive - Automotive companies can explore the use of carbon-negative bioplastics and biochar-based materials in the creation of car parts and accessories, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability while improving brand perception.
3. Construction - The construction industry could benefit from using carbon-sequestering materials in buildings and infrastructure, reducing the carbon footprint of the industry and contributing to sustainable urban development.