"Wonder Matter(s)" – Plastics at Milan Design Week 2023

Plastic is a wonderful material. It can take on almost any shape, colour and texture. This versatility opens up countless possibilities for designers. This is also proven by the exhibition "Wonder Matter(s)", which will take place during the Milan Design Week 2023 and in which innovative plastics will be presented in partly extraordinary installations.

Milan Design Week will take place from 17 to 23 April 2023. Visitors to Superstudio Più can experience the interplay of design and materials in the exhibition "Wonder Matter(s)". This is organised by the consultancy Materially and aims to address the concept of wonder through a sensorial, experimental and narrative journey among materials with diverse composition and applications. One of these materials: plastic!

At "Wonder Matter(s)", companies in the field of material innovation will present products that stand out for their high technical, sensory or environmental performance. K exhibitors Covestro and Asahi Kasei as well as The Good Plastic Company will also be taking part.

The following companies will present their installations and innovations made of plastics at the "Wonder Matter(s)" exhibition during Milan Design Week:

With the installation "The Impossible" Covestro presents Arfinio®, a revolutionary material based on a new technology combining liquid high-performance polymers with minerals and produced by reaction injection moulding. It is a lightweight and durable solid-surface material that allows complex projects to be completed easily and quickly in a single step. It can also be repaired and recycled. Arfinio® combines the advantages of aliphatic polyurethane chemistry, reaction injection moulding and solid surfaces: a combination that was considered impossible for decades.

Another Covestro installation is the "Unexpected Green Forest" – a place of oxymorons where plastic proves to be more sustainable, recyclable and durable. The installation is dedicated to Makrolon® RE. This is a renewable polycarbonate made from raw materials derived from organic waste rather than fossil fuels. The material not only supports sustainability goals, but offers enormous creative possibilities in terms of colour, shape and decoration.

Finally, Covestro presents thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) in the "Selfie Garden", a playful installation. The material has a broad and articulated performance spectrum that includes a high degree of flexibility and temperature resistance. Its properties make it an excellent material for monomaterial design. The adaptability and multiple applications of TPU become an inspiration in the design of an imaginary garden. Of course, the selfie garden also provides a perfect backdrop for a souvenir photo.

RespiGard™ by Polypore is a waterproof and breathable polypropylene membrane presented by Asahi Kasei. The material can be combined with fabrics and offers applications for outdoor furniture and technical sportswear. The membrane's high porosity allows airflow and easy evaporation of moisture, while its structure prevents water droplets from penetrating. RespiGard™ is water repellent, has a smooth and even surface and is ultra-lightweight. It is produced using a solvent-free manufacturing process and has therefore received OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certification. The base is made of polypropylene and is recyclable.

Polygood is a surface material made of 100 percent recycled and recyclable plastic presented by The Good Plastic Company. In addition to its sustainability, the material also impresses with its aesthetics. Each pattern has its own unique background story. The Polygood panels are made from a wide variety of plastic waste – from refrigerators to disposable cutlery and electronics to industrial consumer goods. The Good Plastic Company aims to bridge the gap between the recycling industry and the economy.