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# Sunflower-Based Bio Materials
Thomas Vailly Explores the Uses of Crops in Product Development

By Kalin Ned | Published 2019-04-10 | Eco
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bio-material1
References: [dezeen](https://www.dezeen.com/2019/04/05/thomas-vailly-sunflower-material/) & [vailly](http://vailly.com/)

Thomas Vailly — the founder of Eindhoven-based [Studio Thomas Vailly](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/biomaterial-cycling-helmet), 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sunflower-protein-ingredient). 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.

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 4.8/10
- Popularity: 64% | Activity: 73% | Freshness: 8%
- Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women
- Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X
- Top markets: North America

## Categories

[Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) > [Eco Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/ecoarchitecture)

## Key Themes

### What's Driving This Trend

- **Sunflower-based Bio Materials:** Exploring the use of sunflower crop waste to create sustainable bio materials for product development and design.
- **Non-synthetic Binders and Varnishes:** Developing non-synthetic binders and varnishes that are environmentally friendly and non-toxic.
- **Second Harvesting:** Creating new products through second harvesting the waste materials of crops like sunflowers.

### Who This Affects Most

- **Sustainable Product Development:** Opportunities for sustainable product development through the use of eco-friendly bio materials.
- **Adhesives and Coatings:** Creating eco-friendly adhesives and coatings for a variety of industries.
- **Agricultural Waste Management:** New ways to manage agricultural waste materials to create innovative products.

## Related on Trend Hunter

- [Sunflower-Sourced Protein Powders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sunflower-protein-isolate.md)
- [Sunflower-Sourced Protein Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sunflower-protein.md)
- [Sustainable Wooden Natural Materials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/forestbank.md)
- [Tree-Based Material Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/abney-effect.md)
- [Nature-Inspired Design Objects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plantbased-2.md)
- [Corn Cob-Made Wall Cladding](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cornwall.md)
- [Discarded Wood Construction Materials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/woodoo.md)
- [Eco-Friendly Biomaterial Cycling Helmets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/biomaterial-cycling-helmet.md)
- [Biomaterial Interior Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spring-studio.md)