Prototype acoustic panel
Experiments
Prototype insulation
Prototype packaging support
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Name of the submitted project or idea (in English or both English and your language)
FLX - Flax Loam Expanded
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URL of a video introducing the work（under 5 minutes）
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Detailed explanation of the submitted project or idea (in English or both English and your language)
Foamed plastics, such as PS-E and PUR/PIR, are widely used in Belgium due to their high performance and cost-effectiveness. However, these materials have significant drawbacks. Their production requires high temperatures, making it an energy-intensive process with high CO2 emissions. During curing, isocyanates are released, which can irritate mucous membranes and skin, posing health risks. Furthermore, these materials are typically not reusable and do not align with the circular economy vision. At the end of their lifespan, they end up in landfills or are thermally recycled, emitting toxic fumes. Additionally, foamed plastics are petrochemical products, contributing to the depletion of finite global oil reserves.
This project seeks to develop a 100% biobased alternative to these foamed plastics. Utilizing FLX addresses multiple issues: they are renewable, reusable, biodegradable, and have a lower environmental impact. Flax shives are a byproduct of flax production and are largely produced locally, reducing long-distance transportation and associated CO2 emissions.
The transition to FLX aligns with Belgium's ambition to reduce its material footprint by 30% and greenhouse gas emissions by 35% by 2030. Therefore, the project aims to demonstrate that 100% biobased materials can be used in certain sectors at a competitive price and with a smaller CO2 footprint, addressing the needs for functionality, quality, insulation, and acoustics in applications currently reliant on foamed plastics.
FLX is the result of years of experimenting with the residual flow of flax shives. It is a fully circular material, free of any binders, and carries a great promise as a circular, 100% biobased alternative. -
How does your work address the 3 P’s (for Planet, for People, for Profit) for Sustainability?
Planet: FLX is committed to reducing the environmental impact by developing a 100% biobased alternative to foamed plastics. This addresses several key issues; (1) Renewability: FLX is made from renewable resources, eliminating the need for finite fossil fuels (2) Reusability/biodegradability: FLX is a 100% biobased material. It can naturally degrade after use without leaving harmful residues or it can easily be recycled into flax shives again. (3) Lower CO2 footprint: Flax shives is a local residual flow, reducing transport-related CO2 emissions.
(4) Environmental impact: The production process does not release harmful substances and operaties at lower temperatures compared to foamed plastics, resulting in lower CO2 emissions. The material is a residual flow and furthermore is locally sourced, processed and used, reducing transport-related CO2 emissions.
People: FLX is safer for human health compared to foamed plastics. Foamed plastics release harmful isocyanates during curing, which can irritate mucous membranes and skin. By using biobased materials, these health risks are minimized. Moreover, transitioning to biobased materials promotes awareness of and education about safer and sustainable alternatives, benefiting both consumers and workers involved in the value chain.
Profit: FLX opens up new business models and revenue streams for flax farmers and processors, reducing their reliance on low-value applications like using flax shives as stall bedding. This creates a win-win scenario for both businesses and the environment.
While the initial costs of transitioning to biobased materials may pose challenges, this project aims to prove that biobased alternatives can be competitive in terms of price, quality, and functionality. By developing and demonstrating the feasibility of using flax shives in various applications, the project creates opportunities for businesses to profit from sustainable practices. -
Where (country, region, etc.) have you primarily carried out your project?
Belgium
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What is the timeline your project has taken place over?
2020 - now
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Keywords
#biobased #material #flax
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If you have a website for your submitted project or idea, please provide the URL
https://vlastic.be/
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If you have a social media account for your submitted project or idea, please provide the URL
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Special Prize Question 1: Is there a mechanism in place to inherit culture and industry as assets for people living in that area 100 or even 1000 years from now?
The incorporation of flax in this project is a nod to a centuries-old tradition deeply rooted in the history of (West-) Flanders. For generations, the cultivation and processing of flax have been integral to the economic and cultural tapestry of the region. Flax has played a pivotal role in shaping the identity of the community, contributing to its prosperity and growth.
Historically, the thriving flax industry has not only provided a livelihood for local farmers but has also fueled a network of craftsmen and artisans involved in the intricate process of turning flax fibers into various products. From linen textiles to other applications, vlas has been a versatile and valuable resource.
By choosing flax shives as the raw material for biobased alternatives to foamed plastics, the project pays homage to this historical legacy. It acknowledges that the sustainable practices of the past can inspire innovative solutions for the future. In doing so, it not only propels the region towards a greener and more eco-conscious future but also ensures that the story of flax.
In essence, the project acts as a bridge between the past, present, and future, showcasing how sustainable innovation can be a means of preserving and evolving cultural and industrial heritage for generations to come. -
Special Prize Question 2: What is the positive impact on biodiversity? Is the project creating a cycle not just from a human-centered perspective but for the entire ecosystem?
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Special Prize Question 3: Are you enabling new forms of collaboration with others? New forms of collaboration might include cross-industry cooperation, co-creation with consumers, or role transformations within the supply chain.
By venturing in insulation and packaging, FLX not only broadens its impact on sustainability but also actively engages with professionals and industries that may not have traditionally been linked to the flax industry. This expansion creates a network of partners invested in the versatility and potential of flax-based materials, fostering a collaborative ecosystem for future innovations.
