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Throughout this project I presented the argument for limited use of technological materials several times, and an skeptical reception usually ensued. It seemed that whenever I talked about not using plastics or metals people imagined a back-to-nature, pre-industrialization existence. This reaction is completely understandable, since we associate “biodegradable materials” with natural products with low or no refinement, and therefore, not suitable for the applications where we find plastics and metals. However, I do not imagine such a future. In order to successfully substitute plastics, metals and other composites it is clear that we need more materials to work with, which, conserving their biodegradable or compostable characteristics, perform like technical materials. Recent developments in bio-plastics, liquid wood, natural fibers for plastic reinforcement, and compostable fabrics, highlight the potential of natural materials that perform like technical ones. Sugar is just another example.
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