‘ GREEN’ INNOVATION

Every year materials are being developed to improve the way we live. Recent breakthroughs include a plastic alternative made from seaweed, developed by researchers at Wageningen University in the Netherlands. To reduce the environmental impact of the 1.2 million tonnes of cigarette butt waste that is produced each year, RMIT University in Melbourne has developed light bricks using the butts. To improve the longevity and quality of standard leather, Danish shoe manufacturer, ECCO, have developed Dyneema for their shoes. This bonded leather is the thinnest and strongest leather available. In fact, the bonded full grain and nubuck leathers are 15 times stronger than steel, providing light, unbreakable performance.