# Renewable Plastic Replacements DuraSense by Stora Enso is a Wood-Based Biocomposite By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2018-05-26 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/durasense-by-stora-enso References: [thedieline](http://www.thedieline.com/blog/2018/5/22/stora-enso-wants-you-to-stop-using-plastic-introduces-wood-based-biocomposite) & [storaenso](http://www.storaenso.com/news-and-media/Pages/Pressreleases.aspx?newsid=AA6137D6BE8885C5) DuraSense by [Stora Enso](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stora-enso) was recently introduced as a wood-based biocomposite that has the potential to [replace fossil-based plastics](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/huid) with a solution made with natural fibers from renewable resources. The granules that make up DuraSense include a mix of natural wood fibers, polymers and additives, which are said to offer the same mouldability of plastic, yet also the sustainability of wood. DuraSense by Stora Enso is said to be suited to a range of applications, including everything from furniture and beauty products to [automotive parts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/supreme-group). Beyond this, DuraSense may also be further fused with recycled or bio-based polymers. According to Patrica Oddshammar, Head of Biocomposites at Stora Enso, "DuraSense can reduce the consumption of plastic materials by up to 60%, ensuring fewer microplastics end up in the environment." ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.9/10 - Popularity: 67% | Activity: 71% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Wood-based Biocomposites:** Opportunity for disrupting the plastic industry with sustainable and biodegradable plastic replacements made from natural wood fibers. - **Recyclable Biopolymers:** Opportunity to further fuse DuraSense with recycled or bio-based polymers for even more sustainable and eco-friendly applications. - **Microplastic Reduction:** Opportunity to provide an eco-friendly alternative and reduce plastic consumption by up to 60%, resulting in fewer microplastics in the environment. ### Where This Applies - **Packaging:** Plastics packaging industry could benefit from the development of sustainable and biodegradable alternatives to reduce its environmental impact. - **Automotive:** Automotive industry could benefit from replacing plastic parts with wood-based biocomposites for more sustainable and eco-friendly vehicles. - **Consumer Goods:** Consumer goods industry could explore the use of DuraSense for sustainable and biodegradable products such as furniture and beauty products. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Kid-Friendly Biobased Tableware](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/biobased-tableware.md) - [Sustainable Wooden Cutlery](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compostable-wooden-cutlery.md) - [Adaptable Plastic Alternatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2m-group.md) - [Bio-Based Paper Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paper-food-packaging.md) - [Plant-Based Plastic Bottles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sustainable-pet-bottle.md) - [Eco-Friendly Paper Cups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stora-enso.md) - [Reimagined Structural Timber](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/superwood.md) - [Bio-Based Single-Use Cups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/verigreen-plus.md) - [Food-Based Toy Block Alternatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-6.md)