Japan – Meet a new contender in the biomaterials arena – the Adam Sheet, a see-through fabric made entirely from apple waste.
In the apple-producing Aomori Prefecture in Japan, discarded apple waste is so abundant it poses an environmental problem. Studio Sozai Center is alleviating the issue by repurposing apple waste as the main component of a new biomaterial. The studio has developed a process recycling the pomace, using all parts of the apple from stem to peel. Apples are ground into a powder that is later moulded into textile sheets. The result is the Adam Sheet, a translucent, washable and scratch-resistant fabric that can be used to produce apparel, accessories and indoor furniture. Unlike other apple leathers on the market, the sheets are made without artificial colouring, an intentional decision which means the fabric retains the natural reddish-brown shade of apples.
To find out more on recent developments in eco-positive materials, head to Waste Re-invented in our Innovation Debrief 2023–2024.
Strategic opportunity
As repurposing waste streams in design is becoming common practice, business can capitalise on the value of natural shades in design. Instead of aiming for flawless, homogeneous finishes, consider opting for imperfect hues in a nod to nature’s irregularities