Finley Atterton
MEngProduct Design Engineering

Whilst studying Product Design Engineering I have developed a growing interest in materials, particularly regarding what they are made of and how they play an integral role in the ways in which we design, create, and interact with the world around us. Traditional practices teach that materials are merely interfaces to realise the functions of our designs. However, it is rarely considered possible to design the function into a material itself, in order to create something unique and wonderful.

Growing concerns over the state and future of our environment are highlighting the serious drawbacks of one of the world’s most widely used materials - plastic. The advanced properties of fossil-based plastics are less beneficial than we originally thought, allowing ‘disposable’ and toxic materials to outlast our lifetimes. Turning to nature for inspiration, we find alternatives and potential replacements to fossil-based plastics. Regenerative sources such as plants, animals, bacteria, and even our food waste, can contain key components to help tackle this problem.

Made From Beer is a production process that transforms brewer’s spent grain (a by-product of the brewing industry) and turns it into a mouldable and 100% biodegradable material that can be used to make truly disposable green products.

Instagram: @finatterton.design

Email: fin.atterton@gmail.com