October 31, 2023
To overcome the problem of scarcity, we search for raw materials that are found everywhere in abundance. We teamed up with sustainable building materials specialist StoneCycling to accelerate the reach of our bio-based building materials – the future of sustainable construction.
Together, we will soon launch CornWall®.
Meet CornWall®
CornWall® is a tile or sheet material made from regional (Western Europe) organic waste (corncob cores) destined for fermentation, burning as biomass or simply to remain on the field.
As the CO2 absorbed by the fibres of the corn cobs during growth is not naturally broken down or burned and thus retained for longer, CornWall® is a CO2-neutral product. There is also no end-of-life waste since the product is 100% biodegradable or can be 100% reused.
CornWall® will be supplied with a demountable anchoring system and is an affordable alternative for ceramic wall cladding or other less sustainable composite materials such as HPL (High-Pressure Laminate). The product is thus not glued and can be removed from the interior if needed.
This upcycled product is provided with bio-coating to make it moisture-repellent, and various colours are created by adding pigments. Application includes vertical wall finishing for the interior, such as walls, backsplashes of bars and hotel rooms, and panelling. CornWall® is firm and durable, comparable to HPL and hardwood, but thinner. Dimensions are tight, making it suitable for CNC milling.
Producing CornWall®
CornWall® is produced in a sheltered workshop in Antwerp, Belgium. Circular Matters utilises a pressing process to create the products. By heating organic material up to 150 degrees Celsius, the polymers in the biomass activate and form strong bonds, which results in a strong and stable end product. This heating process is electrical, powered by sustainable energy, mainly from solar panels on the roof of the production facility. The production process requires no fossil fuels.
In the future, Circular Matters intends to set up a recycling scheme, enabling the return of end-of-life products. These tiles can then be ground and converted 100% into a new product.
We will start producing the CornWall® base collection with one texture, eight colours and two sizes. Additional high-end textures will follow soon. Bespoke options are available for orders over 1000 m².
The CornWall® collection is curated under the creative and strategic direction of Studio Nina van Bart. Studio Nina van Bart is a forward-thinking multidisciplinary design studio that creates colourful, tactile, and high-quality functional designs. They specialise in redefining materials for ambitious brands.
