What material options are available? Several online databases provide tips on eco-materials and ethical manufacturing. The database suggestions below are supplied with keywords (tags) that make it easier for you to find what you're looking for.
Materialbiblioteket (The Library of Materials)
The library of materials at Konstfack, the University College of Arts, Crafts and Design, in Stockholm is a meeting place and a venue for inspiration where you can see and feel hundreds of different kinds of materials. Courses and workshops are provided, too.
Keywords: material samples, training, lectures, showroom
Visit the Materialbiblioteket website
Ecolect
Ecolect is a database dedicated solely to eco-materials. Their newsletter inspires us with products, stories, materials and happenings once a month.
You can also subscribe to the Greenbox to get the latest eco-material samples
Keywords: eco-materials, material database, newsletters, blogs, subscription materials, user-friendly, wide selection
Visit the Ecolect website
Ask Nature
Ask Nature is a database explaining how nature can solve various design problems (biomimicry). It is a meeting place for information exchange between biologists, architects, designers and engineers.
This page is linked to the network Wiser Earth, Biomimicry Institute and Biomimicry Guild.
Keywords: eco, nature's functions, material database, manufacturing, wiki-based, wide selection
Visit the Ask Nature website
Rematerialise
A database of eco-materials sorted according to type of materials, production processes, characteristics and use. There is also an archive of eco-smart products and a solid list of environmental and design-related links.
Keywords: eco, database, processes, user friendly
Visit the Rematerialise website
Ecospecifier
A knowledge bank of over 3500 eco-products, materials, manufacturing processes,decision guides and more. This Australasian platform is a source of information and initiatives for sustainable development. The search engine allows both products and materials searches.
Keywords: eco, database, newsletter, blog, manufacturing, products, user friendly, comprehensive.
Besök Ecospecifiers webbplats
IdeMat
IdeMat is a tool that can be used to calculate, compare and choose between environmentally beneficial materials in a design process. It contains a database of technical information on materials and processes displayed in simple graphics with a focus on environmental information. A free demo version of a simple LCA tool is also available.
Keywords: eco, database, processes, user friendly
Visit the IdeMat website
Material Explorer
The database is particularly useful if you are interested in specific material functions and measurement data. Matbase claim they have the world's largest environmental database. In addition, you can make contact with material experts around the world and share experiences.
Keywords: (eco), database, forum, user-friendly, comprehensive
Visit the Materia website
Matbase
The database is particularly useful if you are after specific material functions and measurement data. Matbase claim they have the world's largest environmental database. In addition, you can make contact with material experts around the world and share experiences.
Keywords: (eco), database, blogs, products, user friendly, comprehensive
Visit the Matbase website
Stylepark material
Here you can find materials within the unique categories of transparency, technical textiles, sandwich, ultra light, metal cloth, power and non-woven. It is possible to order boxes of material samples.
Keywords: database, subscription, user-friendly
Visit the Stylepark website
AZoM
AZoM is a structurally challenging, but at the same time comprehensive database. You can find inspiring articles, podcasts and videos on various materials.
Keywords: database, video, comprehensive
Visit the AZoM website
Design InSite
A guide to various manufacturing processes and materials, including examples of products where they have previously been used. Brief environmental information is provided as well as a simple tool to calculate the environmental impact of different materials. This page also lists substances that should be avoided.
Keywords: eco, database, processes, products
Visit the Design Insite website
Material ConneXion
An annual fee gives you access to an extensive database and information on the latest materials. Material ConneXion is a consulting business where you can get expert help and advice on sustainability strategies. You also have the opportunity to buy materials.
Keywords: (eco), database, newsletters, manufacturing processes, training, subscriptions, user-friendly, comprehensive
Visit the Material Connexion website
MatWeb
Technical data on different types of materials and tools for calculating and comparing properties of materials.
Keywords: database, comprehensive
Visit the Matweb website