3form® Material Solutions are innovative, eco-friendly translucent panels that transform into feature walls, ceilings, sliding doors, tabletops and more. A number of material platforms are available including 3form® Varia Ecoresin and 3form® Chroma. Boasting an impact strength 40 times that of glass, Varia is a dynamic panel system that combines contemporary design with ecoresin to encapsulate colour, organic materials, textures and custom graphic images. Chroma, available in a palette of expertly-designed colours, emits radiant jewel-like colour when illuminated, and is made from 100% cast acrylic that is non-toxic, highly durable, reusable and recyclable.
» Learn more on the 3form website
Sustainability attributes
(learn more)
Salvaged/reused product
Many materials can be salvaged from existing structures for reuse in new projects. Salvaging products provides two primary benefits: first, reusing existing materials reduces landfill; second, making use of salvaged materials saves the resources and energy used to create new materials. Some materials are easier to reuse than others – timber floorboards, window frames, weatherboards and structural elements; bricks, tiles and pavers; and metalwork, fencing and balustrades.
Post-consumer recycled content
Consumer goods that have served their purpose, been recycled and reprocessed are considered post-consumer recycled content. This includes products used by households, industry and commerce that, after recycling, can be reused as parts of new products or materials. Examples of post-consumer recycled content include recycled rubber tyres transformed into roofing and flooring products, and old newspaper processed into cellulose insulation.
Post-industrial recycled content
Post-industrial recycled content is essentially scrap material – waste products generated during manufacturing processes that has not been used and will not be reused in the production process. As with post-industrial recycled content, reusing these materials reduces consumption of virgin resources and stops usable industrial by-products from becoming landfill.
Recyclable
Recyclable products and materials can be reprocessed and transformed into new goods at the end of their useful life. Materials composed of a single substance (for example, aluminium or concrete) are generally easier to dismantle and recycle than those composed of multiple substances. Employing recyclable materials offers several benefits – reduced use of new resources, reduced landfill, reduced costs for manufacturers.
Production waste is recyclable
Manufacturing processes inevitably produce waste; environmentally responsible manufacturers ensure this waste is minimized and recyclable. Production waste can sometimes be reprocessed for reuse in the same production process. Alternatively, production waste may be reused in the manufacture of other products or materials (post-industrial recycled content).
Designed for disassembly
Design for disassembly is a manufacturing strategy that anticipates the future reuse of individual components or materials, enabling a product to be broken into its constituent parts for reuse or recycling. Design for disassembly can make recycling easier, resulting in less use of new resources, less energy consumption and less landfill. In economic terms, design for disassembly gives further value to products beyond their original life. Disassembling a structure rather than demolishing it can also reduce impact on the environment by reducing dust released during demolition, reducing land degradation and reducing transport costs of disposing of materials to landfill.
Supported by take-back program
A take-back program sees the manufacturer accept used products from consumers, before recycling or refurbishing them for future use. The philosophy underlying a take-back program is that manufacturers should be responsible for their products throughout their entire life, also known as a “cradle to cradle” approach to manufacturing. Reclamation programs streamline recycling for consumers and encourage manufacturers to produce recyclable products and materials.
Packaging is reduced
The aim is to reduce the amount of packaging required to effectively house and transport products and materials, resulting in less waste material destined for landfill, lower manufacturing costs for producers, and reduced transportation costs. Some manufacturers implement returnable packaging systems or heavily in recyclable packaging. Paper, glass, metal and board packaging can be readily recycled.
Reduces waste or pollution
Streamlined production processes can reduce the environmental impact of manufacturing. Environmentally responsible manufacturers focus upon reducing emissions, minimizing waste created during production, and ensuring energy-efficient operation. Waste-reducing production can also reduce costs, as manufacturers can make better use of resources.
Emits low VOCs
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emissions from carbon-containing compounds that pollute the air. VOCs are released from many common building products including solvents, paints and lacquers, adhesives, fabrics, carpets, printed paper, board products and composite timber. Rating schemes often categorize VOC content as low, very low, ultra low and zero.
ISO 14001 compliant
The international environmental management standard ISO 14001 assists manufacturers with the management, control and reporting of their environmental performance. Developed by the International Organization for Standardization, the standards enable manufacturers to develop a streamlined environmental management system (EMS) to minimize the impact of their operations on the environment. Compliant companies can seek certification from accredited auditors.
