17 Sustainable Materials to Look Out for in 2024

With single-use plastic bans becoming increasingly common worldwide, the urgency to find sustainable alternatives has never been greater. However, navigating the sustainability claims of various materials can be challenging, as not all assertions are verifiable.

To aid in this crucial decision-making process, today we’re showcasing 17 promising sustainable materials to consider in 2024.

For companies and professionals in this sector, we’re collaborating with a partner interested in connecting suppliers of sustainable materials with potential offtakers.  If you are a supplier or are looking to become an offtaker, we encourage you to explore these opportunities further through the links provided (1.supplier 2.procurement/offtaker)

This will ensure you make informed choices and possibly engage in beneficial partnerships focused on sustainability.

3 Types of Sustainable Materials

Natural Materials

Natural materials are materials that can be found in nature. They’re naturally occurring and can generally be safely disposed of, unlike synthetic or man-made materials. Natural materials are generally grown, like wood or cotton, or mined like stone, clay, and metals. They’re a great choice if you’re looking for materials that contain less harmful chemicals and are easier to safely dispose of or reuse.

Renewable Materials

Renewable materials are materials from renewable sources. Just because a material is natural, does not mean it is renewable. For something to be renewable, it must be able to naturally replenish what is used at a rate that allows for the resource to be maintained not depleted over time. Many natural materials are not renewable but materials that can be grown and re-grown or infinitely recycled, by people or in nature, are considered renewable.

Furthermore, the adoption of renewable materials aligns with the growing awareness of the environmental impact of traditional manufacturing and consumption practices. As societies worldwide strive to mitigate climate change and preserve biodiversity, the demand for renewable alternatives continues to escalate.

From eco-conscious consumers seeking sustainable products to governments enacting policies to incentivize renewable resource utilization, the momentum towards a renewable future is undeniable. Embracing renewable materials not only addresses immediate environmental concerns but also fosters a culture of responsibility and stewardship towards the planet for generations to come.

Harmless and Non-toxic Materials

Many materials, natural and synthetic, are manufactured or treated with harmful chemicals that have a toxic effect on people, animals, and the natural environment. These substances can be harmful for a long time after the initial application and can cause problems with the safe disposal of the material. Choosing non-toxic alternatives makes the material more sustainable, even if it is man-made.

8 Sustainable Materials for All Industries

1. Wood

Wood is one of the oldest sustainable materials, which we have used for centuries to make everything from furniture to ships, homes, and fences.

Wood is an infinitely renewable resource and, when forestry is managed correctly, it offers many additional benefits for the environment.

These include sequestering atmospheric carbon, creating habitats that support biodiversity (in monoculture forestry, many sustainable forestry regulations require a percentage of the land to be set aside for conservation), and preventing urban sprawl.

Take a look at this video by oregonforests for more on the sustainability and benefits of responsibly grown timber:

Wood’s top attributes

• Infinitely renewable resource when farmed responsibly
• Forests provide many environmental benefits, including carbon sequestration
• Heavy, strong, and durable material, which is fully biodegradable
• Can withstand water, extreme temperatures, and heavy winds
• Has a vast number of applications and can be used as an alternative to many plastics

Wood is a very sustainable material, but forestry has to be managed correctly to avoid some severe negative impacts, such as loss of sensitive habitats (especially rainforests, grasslands, and wetlands) when they’re converted to timber farms.

Timber is also a water-intensive crop, which can use more water than the surrounding areas can support, and it often involves the use of pesticides and other chemicals.

That said, responsibly grown timber, that is certified by an independent organization, has to meet strict requirements to limit and compensate for negative impacts.

2. Bamboo

Bamboo is a common sustainable material choice for manufacturers and companies and nowadays you’ll find all sorts of products made from Bamboo.

Bamboo’s top attributes

• Cultivation requires no pesticides
• It regenerates from the root, so it doesn’t require re-cultivation 
• Bamboo is the fastest growing plant on the planet! 
• It is biodegradable

Bamboo can be grown with ease, making it a top pick for a sustainable material in it’s raw form.

By contrast, Viscose (the textile form of Bamboo) is made with harsh chemicals and requires lots of water and energy to make, so it is not always so great. 

When shopping for fabric Bamboo products in the form of t-shirts, socks, boxer shorts etc. make sure to opt for Tencel or Lyocell, which is made without producing chemical waste.

3. Adobe

You may have not heard of adobe but it is a building material that’s been used for centuries and is pretty commonplace in some parts of the world. 

In its simplest form, adobe is made from earth, water and dung/straw which may sound unimpressive (or even a bit gross). But, these common and eco-friendly ingredients make it one of the most sustainable building materials around!

Adobe’s top attributes

• Adobe is very durable (some of the world’s oldest buildings are made from adobe).
• All of it’s ingredients are readily available
• Adobe bricks are naturally baked in the sun so require no energy to bake

Now, for most of you reading this, using adobe may not be that applicable to day to day life. However, if you’re taking on a construction project or are just interested in adobe and it’s usage you can check out this great resource.

4. Coconut

Coconut is no longer just a food product but is now seeing usage in a variety of products including scouring pads, bowls, cutlery and even as a sustainable building material.

To see how a humble old Coconut can be transformed into a beautiful bowl watch the video below:

Coconut’s top attributes

• The Coconut shell can be used in its entirety, making it zero waste
• No additional chemicals, such as glue, are needed for Coconut as a construction material, which makes it a ‘low to no’ toxin product 
• It’s biodegradable

As manufacturers are looking at more uses for this wonder material, it’s becoming more commonplace. Keep your eyes peeled for coconut products in 2024!

5. Bio-plastics

Bio-plastics are a hot material at the moment and many single-use plastic items are now being manufactured from all manner of bio-plastics in place of traditional petroleum based plastics. 

But what are bio-plastics? Bio-plastics are semi-synthetic plastics that are derived from plants, including corn, sugar beets and castor beans.

If you’re scratching your head as to how these materials can be transformed into plastics, this video explains everything you need to know!

Bio-plastic’s top attributes

• They are created without use of fossil fuels.
• Bio-plastics are just as robust as their fossil fuel equivalents.
• They may be compostable and biodegradable.

BUT a word of caution: Bio-plastics are not without their problems. Much like other plastics, they’re often non-biodegradable and produced using an abundance of harmful chemicals. 

My best advice is to only use bio-plastics as an alternative to petroleum plastics but always opt for reusables and other sustainable materials where you can.

6. Stainless Steel

You’re no doubt already familiar with Stainless steel as a very sustainable material, but it deserves a place on this list nonetheless.

Stainless steel is ideal for items that you’re planning to use and keep for years to come. Think reusable water bottles, cutlery, reusable straws and other cookware.

It is even being used in place of Carbon steel, as a more sustainable (and fully recyclable) material for large scale items like bridges: 

Stainless steel’s top attributes

• It is produced toxin free, which is why it makes a great choice for items like cutlery and even surgical implants.
• Stainless steel is super durable and with care, items can last 100s of years
• It doesn’t degrade during recycling, which means it can be recycled 100s of times.

Looking at the points above it’s clear stainless steel is a great material to choose when it comes to products you plan on having with you for life!

7. Recycled Plastics

Plastics have been vilified in recent years and with good reason: they’re littering beaches and oceans and becoming a real hazard to wildlife. 

One of the biggest problems we face with plastic waste is what to do with all the plastic we’ve already produced. That’s where recycled plastics come in.

Loads of products are now made with recycled plastic, including shoes, bags, cookware, furniture and more. 

Recycled plastic’s top attributes

• Stops millions of tonnes of waste from entering the environment.
• It conserves natural resources and energy
• Saves landfill space

Recycled plastics are part of the solution to the masses of plastic waste that would otherwise be in landfill or littering the environment and the products are pretty great too!

However, don’t forget that recycled plastic products can’t always be recycled again, so it may be best to opt for another material if you’re choosing a product with a limited lifespan. 

8. Straw

Yes, straw, the very same straw that’s used as cattle feed can also be used in a number of applications including clothing, bio-fuel, packaging, paper and more. 

Straw’s top attributes

• It’s cheap and readily available
• Straw is biodegradable
• It’s strong when woven

You may not see it in every shop, or on every shelf like some of the other materials on this list, but it’s growing in popularity every day. Straw is becoming more and more common as a replacement for single-use plastics. 

9.Seaweed

Seaweed is gaining popularity as a sustainable material choice, particularly in packaging and textiles. With its rapid growth and low environmental impact, seaweed offers a versatile and eco-friendly alternative for various applications.

Seaweed’s Top Attributes:

• Grows Rapidly: Seaweed can grow up to 60 centimeters per day, making it one of the fastest-growing plants on Earth.
• No Freshwater or Fertilizers Needed: Seaweed cultivation does not require freshwater, fertilizers, or pesticides, reducing its environmental footprint.
• Absorbs CO2: Seaweed absorbs large amounts of carbon dioxide, helping to mitigate climate change.
• Biodegradable and Compostable: Seaweed-based products are fully biodegradable and compostable, breaking down naturally without leaving harmful residues.

Seaweed is an excellent material for sustainable packaging, textiles, and even food products. Its versatility and minimal environmental impact make it an ideal choice for companies looking to reduce their carbon footprint.

However, it’s important to consider that not all seaweed-based products are created equal. Some processing methods may involve chemicals that can negate some of its environmental benefits. When choosing seaweed-based products, look for those produced using natural and sustainable methods.

10.Mycelium

Mycelium, the root structure of mushrooms, is emerging as a groundbreaking material in sustainable manufacturing, particularly in packaging, textiles, and building materials.

Mycelium’s Top Attributes:

• Grows on Agricultural Waste: Mycelium can be cultivated on agricultural byproducts, turning waste into valuable material.
• Low Energy Production: Growing mycelium requires minimal energy, water, and no light, making it highly resource-efficient.
• Fully Biodegradable: Mycelium-based products are biodegradable and can decompose naturally in a matter of weeks.
• Customizable: Mycelium can be molded into various shapes and forms, offering flexibility in design and application.

Mycelium’s ability to transform agricultural waste into durable, biodegradable materials makes it a promising solution for sustainable packaging, building materials, and even fashion.

7 Sustainable Materials in Fashion

1. Hemp

Since many countries have started lifting their ban on growing Hemp, it has increased in popularity.

It’s quickly becoming an everyday sustainable material, used in food products, fabric products and even as a green building material.

Check out this short video on Hemp and sustainability by Pildora:

Hemp’s top attributes

• Hemp is a weed (no pun intended), so it grows readily without water or pesticides
• It produces far more pulp per plant than the equivalent amount of timber
• Doesn’t require much space to grow
• Its biodegradable
• Virtually every part of the plant can be used, so it’s very low waste

If you’re looking for an alternative to less sustainable materials like cotton, Hemp is a great choice thanks to it’s impressive list of eco-credentials. 

2. Recycled Cotton

Cotton is one of the most popular and plentiful natural materials used in the textile industry. It is all-natural and biodegradable, and it makes a strong but soft and breathable fabric.

On the face of it, cotton is an ideal and sustainable material. However, in terms of sustainability, cotton farming at the scale and intensity that is needed to keep up with the demand from the fashion industry is highly problematic.

Cotton farming is water-intensive and the crop requires the use of pesticides and a large land footprint. It is not a very eco-friendly crop at all.

That’s where recycled cotton comes in. There are already vast quantities of cotton fabric in the world. The majority is in landfills, as offcuts and waste from factories or whole articles dumped by the fashion industry or discarded by consumers. Recycling reduces waste and reduces the need for intensive cotton farming.

Recycled cotton’s top attributes

• Cotton is a natural, biodegradable material that is soft, breathable, and strong
• No impacts from the farming of cotton – no excessive water use, no pesticides, or land degradation
• Reduces textile waste because the cotton being recycled would otherwise go to landfills

Recycled cotton is a great alternative to virgin-use cotton and an excellent shift away from wasteful practices in the textile industry.

3. Organic Linen 

Linen is a natural fiber made from the flax plant. Linen is both recyclable and biodegradable. While not as versatile or widely used as cotton, linen fabric varies from course and stiff to smooth, fine, and silky.

As a crop, Flax is much more eco-friendly than cotton. It grows in areas where the natural rainfall is all that is required for the crop, and it requires no irrigation. Flax is not easily susceptible to pests and it grows very well organically, without the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers.

Organic linen’s top attributes  

• Natural fiber from the Flax plant, which is a low-impact crop and can be grown organically
• Versatile, strong, breathable, and comfortable fabric
• Biodegradable and recyclable

Organic linen is a sustainable material with a very low environmental impact. It makes a very good alternative to many synthetic materials and can be used in many applications, from home furnishings to clothing to bags and shoes.

4. Lyocell

Lyocell is an eco-friendly version of the silk-like fabric called viscose (also known as rayon). Viscose is made from cellulose, which is found in wood pulp and other plant-based sources.

While it is a natural fiber, the chemical-laden process used to turn wood pulp into yarn and fabric is far from eco-friendly. The chemicals used included highly toxic carbon disulfide.

Lyocell, on the other hand, is made with N-methylmorpholine N-oxide instead of carbon disulfide and is a much greener alternative. Modern Lyocell manufacturing by responsible brands uses a closed-loop system that contains and recycles the chemicals used to make the fabric.

Lyocell’s top attributes

• Fine, smooth, soft and silky fabric that drapes well and is very strong
• Made from wood-pulp cellulose and is completely biodegradable
• Manufactured without the use of highly toxic carbon disulfide

Lyocell is a safer, more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional rayon or viscose, with all the same benefits.

5. Enconyl Regenerated Nylon

Econyl makes nylon using waste from the ocean and post-consumer carpeting. Their partners dive and recover abandoned fishing nets from the ocean. Abandoned fishing nets or ‘ghost nets’ trap and kill marine animals and do not weaken or break down for hundreds of years.

Post-consumer waste from carpeting usually goes to landfills but Econyl reconstitutes the fibers into nylon that can be used again and recycled. Recycled nylon is as strong as virgin-use nylon and can be used in all the same applications.

Econyl’s top attributes

• Nylon is a very strong, waterproof, and versatile material
• Econyl is made entirely from waste that is diverted from landfills or recovered from the ocean
• Nylon is recyclable

Econyl is as robust and versatile as virgin-use nylon, without the environmental impact of nylon manufacturing using fossil fuels. It also reduces waste and promotes ocean conservation.

6. Cork

Cork is certainly a lot less common than Bamboo and Hemp but it’s a very sustainable material nonetheless.

It is now starting to see usage in making a bunch of consumer products like wallets, footwear, bags and more. This informative video takes a deeper dive into the green attributes of Cork and some of it’s common uses:

Cork’s top attributes

• Cork is gathered from the bark of a tree and regenerates after harvesting
• Cork oak forests are biodiversity hotspots
• It is biodegradable

Cork is becoming popular thanks to its strength and durability, as well as it’s sustainable characteristics, so it’s worth trying if you get the chance.

7. Pinatex

As veganism grows in popularity, more consumers are looking for plant-based alternatives to animal products. This has lead to a rise in interesting materials like Pinatex.

Pinatex is a plant based leather made from, you guessed it, Pineapple. To see just how pineapple leaves are turned into soft and supple leather take a look at this video below:

Pinatex’s top attributes

• It uses a raw material that would otherwise go to waste
• Its vegan-friendly
• It is softer and versatile like traditional leather.

Pinatex is made from a waste agricultural byproduct (Pineapple leaves) and a few other choice ingredients, making it a sustainable and low waste alternative to animal and petroleum based leather.

Conclusion

If you’re wanting to live more sustainably but you’re confused by all the choices available when it comes to sustainable materials, hopefully this post has provided a bit of clarity on what to choose and why.

If you have another material you think we should have added to the list, comment down below and let us know what your favorite sustainable materials are!

About the Author: Josh is the founder of Soseas, a zero waste product business based in the UK. By day, he’s a scientist working in the pharmaceutical industry but his passion is the environment and outdoors.

References

Econation: Sustainable materials

Household Wonders: The Most Eco-friendly Materials

Peta: Natural Vegan Fabrics