The aesthetic of interaction with materials for design: the bioplasticsʼ identity

Today, thinking on sustainable artifacts become an obligation for companies oriented to sensitive and cultured market. Particular attention should be addressed towards the selection of materials compatible with natural cycle in order to accomplish also the necessity for “cradle to cradle” strategies. The material selection involves the definition of the raw material (natural or synthetic) and the resulting environmental impact when it returns to nature. In this view, bio-plastics appear particularly interesting for the environmental compatibility. Despite the reliable conditions, bio-plastics still struggling to be used in place of synthetic polymers on the commodities market, likely for problem of acceptance related to their lack of awareness and identity on which the people have small experience. The research aims at contributing to the investigation of bioplastics in order to allowing them in acquiring their own recognizable identity. In other words, we contribute to the affirmation of intangible features of matter defining the interaction between user and materials. Hence, industry can afford the whole potential of the studied bioplastics, well beyond the mere environmental advantage. The method is founded on the critical analysis on both aesthetic and processing point of view, to grasp the peculiar characteristics to design and to enhance. The configuration of its own identity is no more something defined a priori respect to design work, but it is the result of a dynamic relationship among three polarities: its own technical-aesthetic area, its own communication potential, and its own potential applications. To the purpose, a particular biopolymer has been considered, Arboform®, as a case study and as an occasion for considerations potentially useful for other biopolymers. The creative part accomplished the realization of both performances and sensorial profiles of the studied material. Finally we propose potential scenarios for both the substitutive and novel applications with the aim of assess the likeness of applying such advantageous materials in common applications