In the United Kingdom, a company converting biobased polymers and biochar—a byproduct of pyrolyzing agricultural waste—into a compostable alternative to polystyrene foam is set to begin scaling production.
Dubbed Carbon Cell, the foam is lightweight, insulating, protective, and insulating. It also sequesters carbon.
CEO Elisabeth Lee told design publication dezeen that its largest market is building insulation, although it will take time to reach the scale and certification necessary to enter this market. “On our way to achieving this, we are also preparing variations for use in acoustic panelling, interior design, thermal packaging, automotive composites, plant pots and even the film, TV and theatre industries, where lots of foam is used for scenery and props development,” she said.
The material is a shortlisted candidate for Material Innovation in the Dezeen Awards 2025