About the project
About Nuterials
Nuterials is a Danish-based materials start-up specializing in circular bio-composites made from upcycled walnut shells. Their mission is to provide manufacturers with high-performance, biodegradable alternatives to traditional plastics, suitable for injection molding, 3D printing, and thermoforming. By combining functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability, Nuterials helps businesses reduce waste and lower CO₂ emissions while maintaining product quality. Focused on practical solutions for a circular economy, the company works closely with designers and manufacturers to integrate eco-friendly materials into diverse industries.
Transforming waste into high-performance bio-composites
As part of the Distributed Design Residency 2024 at Maker V-10, Danish startup Nuterials advanced their mission to replace traditional plastics with biodegradable bio-composites made from upcycled walnut shells. Specializing in injection molding, 3D printing, and thermoforming, Nuterials explored new production methods to optimize their material for real-world applications.
With access to state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies, the residency allowed Nuterials to refine their material’s performance under heat, pressure, and different fabrication techniques. Collaborating with experts and designers, they expanded their research into sustainable 3D printing by developing a bio-plaster from walnut shells and bio-resin.
Beyond technical innovation, Nuterials embraced Distributed Design as a tool for scalable, circular solutions. Partnering with Jardines en el Aire (FabLab Sevilla) and Antonio Esparza, they contributed to the Worm Tower project, applying their bio-composites to urban agriculture and regenerative design. With this collaboration they experimented with using their walnut material for 3D printing.
The residency strengthened Nuterials’ vision for collaborative material innovation, reinforcing the potential of waste as a valuable resource. Moving forward, they continue to seek partnerships with designers and manufacturers eager to integrate sustainable materials into future products.
Their work was exhibited alongside fellow Distributed Design residents at Kulturnatten 2024, highlighting the potential of localized, circular production in material innovation.
