Material ConneXion

This month, our team of researchers welcomed a range of textile and decorative technologies to the library. Please join us in congratulating our Top 5 December manufacturers: 1. @Nan Yang Knitting Factory Company Limited. (Nan Yang Textile Group) 2. @Ecolattice 3. @Nan Yang Knitting Factory Company Limited. (Nan Yang Textile Group) 4. @Sequel Glitter Fabrics Ltd 5. @Payen S.A. You can click the link below to learn more about their technologies!

In an era marked by an aging global population, longevity science is transforming our understanding of health span and life extension. Aging is now considered a treatable condition, with scientific and medical advancements aimed at slowing, halting, and even reversing its effects. The rise of longevity-focused diagnostics, gene therapies, and AI-driven health monitoring systems demonstrates a profound shift toward proactive aging management. This new approach is reflected in the growing investment in biotech firms and wellness initiatives, driving research into age-related diseases and solutions that enhance quality of life. As society embraces these technological and medical advancements, the concept of longevity extends beyond physical health, encompassing holistic well-being. Read below to explore these trends and their material implications!

This month, our team of researchers welcomed an assortment of intriguing material technologies to the library. Please join us in congratulating our Top 5 November manufacturers: 1. @Okeanos® 2. @Colorfix 3. @Agoprene 4. @VARIANT3D 5. @FiteBac Technologies You can click the link below to learn more about their technologies!

Last Monday, October 28th, Dr. @Andrew Dent presented as part of a panel discussion about reducing embodied carbon in the built environment. The panel took place at "Carbon-Free Cities: Climate Action in the Built Environment", an event hosted by the Consortium for Sustainable Urbanization in Partnership with the American Institute of Architects New York (AIANY). It took place at the United Nations Headquarters in New York and spanned half a day. The flagship conference dove into the latest advances in technology and practice, as well as the revival of traditional approaches. It aimed to equip urbanization professionals and policymakers with the strategies needed to achieve net-zero urban development. https://buff.ly/4ej68MW

As October comes to a close, let's take some time to marvel at this month's Top 5 material innovations: https://buff.ly/4eHVRuK Many thanks to @COLOURizd , @Hoowaki, LLC , @Alchemie Technology Ltd , @RAIKU Packaging , and @Vitriform3D for sharing these technologies with us!

"Major demographic shifts (migrations, aging populations), technological advancements (social networks, NICT), societal changes (collaborative models, inclusiveness, mental health), and conjunctural events (COVID-19 pandemic) have radically disrupted the world of work and continue to do so. Unbearable stress and often insurmountable performance objectives, compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, led in recent years to a massive wave of resignations in Europe and the USA. Employees started demanding corporate purpose, better pay, and improved time redistribution, highlighting a global need for rehumanizing work. These transformations are comprehensively impacting work organization paradigms, as well as the underlying philosophies that guide how we work. In this context, new work models are emerging, centered on balance through adaptation, inclusivity, and flexibility. These models rethink time, space, and hierarchy. There is also a strong aspiration for mindful and sustainable workplaces, aiming to reduce stress and pollutants while enhancing health and wellness. Additionally, the working environment is becoming more hedonistic, thanks to innovative training and educational strategies, along with real and digital systems that foster creative thinking." Read the report below to dive into the nuances of these trends and to uncover material innovations aligned with these trends.

The first 3D printing patents were issued in the 80’s. Then academia got hold of this technology and it trundled along for a decade or so. It started small scale, intended just for replication of complex parts for industry and aerospace. It seemed destined to remain a niche component of a large manufacturing ecosystem. Then, as creatives got hold of these printers and started messing with them, they began pushing boundaries, making cool and beautiful objects that got more public interest. Multiple news sources touted the ‘next industrial revolution’ and as a result money poured in and things expanded fast. It bifurcated – industry went big and material inclusive. The first branch started with metals then glass, ceramic, composites of high performance such as carbon fiber, and large format concrete. The other branch was the prototypers who sped up the process of product design and allowed for much quicker iterative creativity as well as the ‘makers’, who tooled around with desktop printers and made PLA bioplastic models of sad Keanu Reeves and T-Rex skulls. So where are we now? After the adidas shoe soles and the various attempts at creating 3D printed fabric, the industry has settled a little, finding specific areas that it can outperform other manufacturing and remaining a niche in most areas. In this report, Dr. Andrew Dent will show where we have had successes with 3D printing in the packaging world, which, due to its volume and cost per part, is perhaps an area where additive manufacturing has had the hardest road to travel toward acceptance. Click below to read! https://buff.ly/3XXNkhv

Each month, our research team juries in new materials into our material database. Here are five of our favorite selections from this month:

Such a pleasure to see KIUD packaging, Woamy, FlexSea and so many other wonderful manufacturers at LUXEPACK Paris last week! Stay tuned for the show report!

Last week, we shared the incredible innovations in sustainable packaging that our CEO of Spearhead Italy, Giovanna Pinna, found at Packaging Premiere Milano. This week, we're exploring the cutting-edge packaging technologies and resources that caught her attention at the event! SARALON GmbH showcased a patented technology to light labels and boxes, adding a new dimension to packaging design and creating a unique, eye-catching effect. You can find more information on this here: https://lnkd.in/eFhP7K7m Labelcol (Italy) demonstrated their expertise working with aluminum for luxury projects, even in small quantities, offering a high-end solution for brands looking to elevate their packaging. Learn more here: https://www.labelcol.it/ Two fascinating libraries of new materials: Material ConneXion and Materially. They offer a wealth of information and inspiration for packaging professionals looking to stay ahead of the curve. To read up on these new libraries of materials you can visit https://lnkd.in/g6EDWQkN and https://lnkd.in/e4td5uVd. Our industry is ever-evolving. By continuously learning and exploring new possibilities, we can deliver cutting-edge solutions that exceed our client's expectations and set their products apart in the market. Thanks for the fantastic insights, Giovanna! #SpiritsIndustry #PackagingIndustry #Innovativepackaging #Innovation #Technology