Plastic foam packaging is built for protection but designed for waste
Our solution
At SymbioMatter, we are transforming the world of materials with our innovative product: SymbioFoam which proves to be sustainable and healthier alternative to traditional fossil-based materials. It is both compostable and flexible, perectly aligning with the lifespan of its intended use.
Made entirely from plant-based sources from food industry waste, SymbioFoam releases NO toxic gasses, generates NO microplastics and NO waste
Who are we?
We are a team of biomaterial researchers, industrial designers, chemical and process engineers, based in Arnhem, the Netherlands. Driven by a deep admiration for biodegradable materials, we combine expertise in material science and design, ceating pathways toward a more innovative and sustainable future.
The book, SymbioMatter; The Biomaterial Guide, aims to shed light on the transformative potential of materials, empowering them to shape a better world for all.
Where creativity meets science
“By aligning the duration of an object’s existence with the duration of its actual usage, we can reduce the amount of waste generated.”
Lisanne Peters
Founder of SymbioMatter
FAQ's
Material perfomance
SymbioFoam is designed to offer similar performance to conventional PU foams, including cushioning and mechanical stability, depending on the application.
SymbioFoam is mainly intended for non-structural applications such packaging and foam boards. Use in load-bearing applications depends on the specific formulation and is assessed case by case.
Yes. SymbioFoam is designed to be compatible with existing foam production processes, helping manufacturers adopt it more easily.
Yes. The material can be adapted to meet specific performance and processing requirements for different applications. The material can be adjusted to achieve different densities and levels of stiffness or flexibility, depending on the intended use.
Scalability is a key focus. SymbioFoam is developed with the goal of scaling from pilot to industrial production in collaboration with partners.
Business
Companies can collaborate through pilot projects, joint development, or application testing. We tailor collaborations to shared goals and needs. We actively work with pilot partners and early adopters to test and refine SymbioFoam in real-world applications.
At early stages, costs may differ from conventional PU foams. As production scales, the aim is to reach competitive pricing while offering added environmental value.
Health and safety
SymbioFoam is intended for indoor and consumer applications, subject to appropriate testing and compliance with relevant European standards. Unlike PU foams, SymbioFoam does not emit toxic gasses.
SymbioFoam is developed with end-of-life in mind, aiming for improved compostable options compared to conventional PU foams. The exact end-of-life route depends on the application and formulation.