Materials.
The materials Asia builds with, covered with specs, sources, and honest assessment of what's new.
Flexi-Hex Paper Packaging Replaces 7,743 km of Plastic Bubble Wrap
The UK-based company's FSC-certified honeycomb paper packaging has also reduced breakage rates for items like doors and bottles, offering a sustainable alternative for transit protection.
Weyerhaeuser to Distribute TimberHP Wood Fiber Insulation in US
The agreement covers TimberBatt and TimberBoard products, making insulation from renewable softwood residuals available across the US through Weyerhaeuser's building materials network.
UPM Opens €1.37 Billion Leuna Biorefinery for Renewable Chemicals
The new Leuna facility in Germany, inaugurated on October 15, 2026, will produce 220,000 tonnes of wood-based chemicals annually, targeting construction and other sectors.
Thailand's WPC Roots Retain 88cm Sediment, Combat Erosion
A new study reveals a bio-inspired system, featuring wood-plastic composite and rubber structures, retained 16-88 centimeters of sediment across 10 sites in Samut Prakan province.
Sumitomo Forestry unveils KIBLO modular timber system
The factory-built wooden modules, measuring 5,460mm by 1,820mm, are designed for rapid assembly and reuse, with commercial availability planned from 2027.
Stuttgart's TimberSlab Cuts Embodied Carbon, 70cm Height Reduction
Developed by the University of Stuttgart, the UniversalTimberSlab system significantly reduces embodied carbon in multi-story timber buildings and allows up to 20% facade area reduction.
Seoul Design Award 2026 Unveils Top 10 for Sustainable Materials
From over 1,200 global entries, finalists include furniture from recycled cork and footwear made with pineapple waste, showcasing new material applications.
Japan's Ehime Pavilion: 12x2.3m CLT Panels for School Furniture Reuse
The Onodatesho Pavilion in Ehime, Japan, constructed by Yano Aoyama Architecture Design, features regional cedar, cypress, and cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels measuring 12 by 2.3 meters. Designed as a temporary ceremonial structure for the National Tree-Planting Festival, its materials are intended for repurposing as school furniture after dismantling.
Jia Curated 2026 in Bali Showcases Sustainable Materials, Regional Design
The Jia Curated 2026 event, held in Bali from August 13-17, presented material innovations and collaborative design from over 250 brands. The event focused on biophilic principles and local sourcing, featuring items made from recycled plastics, pineapple fibers, and coffee-waste leather for building and interiors projects.
Taiwan Forestry Institute Transforms Wood Surplus into Incense Cedar Products, Boosts Circular Econo
The Taiwan Forestry Research Institute has developed essential oil, scented powder, and incense cones from surplus Taiwan incense cedar wood. This initiative aims to establish a circular economy for forest resources by repurposing materials typically discarded.