Materials design for sustainability: Connecting with local resource flows through the development of flax-based composites

Abstract

Abstract This report-based article uses the example of a practice-led research project, which was undertaken by the author, into the use of flax fibres cultivated in the Midlands, UK, towards new material concepts. The aim of the article is to reflect upon the project in order to consider the hypothesis that connections between people and place can be fostered through a craft-approach to materials design. It begins by reporting on the current proliferation of the materials industry and starts to build an argument for the role that craft might play in developing an approach to materials that focuses on ‘place’ as a means to design for sustainability. A short industry review covering the resurgence in the use of flax fibres within new composites is then given. The practice-led project is also briefly presented, giving details of the author’s background, methodological approach and an overview of the results. The concluding discussion aims to bring together thoughts on the hypothesis by drawing on reflections from the project and signposting potential future directions in this area.

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