the language of sustainable design is precise, rooted in materiality and intention. it avoids abstraction, favoring clarity in how a product interacts with the world. here are terms that define this vocabulary, each with a direct relationship to the material and process behind it.
capable of decomposing naturally through microbial action. a wallcovering made from plant-based fibers breaks down in soil within 18 months, leaving no synthetic residue.
material derived from post-consumer or post-industrial waste. a paper-based design incorporates 75% reclaimed fibers, reducing demand for virgin resources.
minimal volatile organic compounds, ensuring indoor air quality. a vinyl-free coating emits less than 50 µg/m³ of formaldehyde, meeting european standards.
colorants extracted from plants, minerals, or insects. a linen-backed textile dyed with indigo and madder shows uneven tonal variation, a mark of organic derivation.
reprocessed waste materials with added value. a textile uses fabric scraps from previous collections, reworked into a continuous pattern