Zeoform

Production is based on a process developed in 1897 by the German company M.M.Rotten in Berlin to produce a natural material utilizing cellulose. Almost 100 years later, three material researchers advanced the process and, in 2005, created a company that manufactured artisanal products from the material.{{cite web |title=ZEOFORM History |url=http://www.zeoform.com/material/history/ |url-status=dead |access-date=2014-05-27 |publisher=Zeoform.com |archive-date=2014-05-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140519074028/http://www.zeoform.com/material/history/ }}

Zeoform is derived from lignocellulosic biomass, such as hemp, cotton, bamboo, sisal, jute, palm, coconut and other cellulose feedstock.{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tech/personal-tech/computing/6-amazing-technologies-coming-soon/articleshow/28696488.cms?referral=PM|title=6 amazing technologies coming soon|publisher=timesofindia.indiatimes.com|date=January 12, 2014|access-date=2014-05-27}}{{cite web |url=http://www.treehugger.com/clean-technology/revolutionary-new-eco-material-gets-kickstart.html#14029630748911&action=collapse_widget&id=8970963|title=A revolutionary new eco-material gets a Kickstart

|publisher=treehugger.com|date=October 22, 2013|access-date=2014-05-27}} It is made without any glues, binders, chemicals or synthetics. The fundamental chemistry (and patented formula) causes a fibrillation (feathering) of cellulose micro-fibres (in water), then physical ‘entanglement’ and hydroxyl bonding through evaporation.{{cite web |url=http://ecopreneurist.com/2013/10/07/holy-grail-eco-materials/|title=Is this the Holy Grail of Eco-Materials?|publisher=ecopreneurist.com|date=2013-10-07|access-date=2014-05-27}} Done correctly, it results in a super-strong, highly durable, consistent material that emulates wood & wood composites, resin composites, fibreglass and many hard plastics. Zeoform can be produced with various qualities – from light styrofoam to dense ebony. The material is sustainable, compostable and sequesters carbon.{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/beyond-plastic-sustainable-materials-recycled-waste|title=Beyond plastic: creating sustainable materials from recycled waste|publisher=theguardian.com|date=7 January 2014|access-date=2014-05-27}}

Zeoform can be used as a replacement for conventional materials in hundreds of industries, including construction grade flat sheets and curved panels to replace MDF, Masonite, Formica, Corian and other synthetic composites. Zeoform can be sprayed, molded, pressed, laminated or formed using manual and mechanical processes. It can be produced in quantities ranging from small cottage industry to fully automated and robotic mass production.{{cite web |url=http://www.australianmanufacturing.com.au/9622/australian-company-zeo-develops-eco-friendly-building-material-that-has-the-potential-to-be-the-worlds-new-plastic|title=Australian company Zeo develops eco-friendly building material that has the potential to be the world's new plastic|publisher=australianmanufacturing.com.au|access-date=2014-05-27}}{{cite web |url=http://www.leafscience.com/2013/11/19/zeoform-new-plastic-turns-hemp-almost-anything/|title=Zeoform: A New Plastic That Turns Hemp Into Almost Anything|publisher=leafscience|date=19 November 2013|access-date=2014-05-27}}

• similar materials are marketed as Zelfo and Hempstone
• Biodegradable plastic

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Category:Composite materials