OTHER MATTER™

The design process began with extensive research into the environmental and health impacts of PVC decals. Over five years, Jessie French experimented with algae-based polymers, leading to a patent-pending method. Multiple prototypes were rigorously tested for durability, recyclability, and quality, with consultation from Melbourne conservators, Care of Studios, and experts at the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum and The Met in New York.

French conducted extensive field research, including an artist’s residency in Morocco, where she traced the algae’s origins and ensured sustainable harvesting practices, collaborating with marine biologists and local harvesters.

The decals were initially designed with distinctive patterning and unique textures, reflecting French’s artistic practice. Ongoing testing proved the decals could match any colour and be printed onto, resembling conventional PVC decals.

The final design was implemented through meticulous craftsmanship and strategic brand partnerships. The first significant retail application was with Aesop, which used the decals in 38 stores across Australia, New Zealand, and New York. This showcased the material’s practical application and scalability. Having completed four Aesop campaigns, the product has demonstrated versatility, including large-scale window decals, custom designs, and surface printing. It has also demonstrated circular design, with decals being returned, melted down, and reused to create new decals for each campaign.

French currently handcrafts the material in Melbourne, while Boom Studios ensures professional execution by handling the cutting, printing, and installation. As the project scales, production will be decentralised to allow more producers to create and recycle the decals.

Jessie French exceeded the design brief by developing a non-petrochemical, algae-based material that replaces PVC decals and is fully recyclable with a closed-loop lifecycle. The project eliminated harmful chemicals associated with PVC, ensuring environmental safety. The decals are user-friendly and versatile, with plans for decentralised production ensuring scalability and broad impact.

The decals are functional and accessible, applied without adhesives on smooth surfaces, making them easy to use and reposition without damage. This benefits businesses needing frequent changes. The material’s flexibility and ease of application cater to a broad range of users, including those with limited technical skills. They are cut and installed using existing machinery and expertise, simplifying the transition to this sustainable alternative. Currently, the product is four times the price of regular decals, but this is expected to decrease with scale and less handmade production.

Aesthetically, the decals match any colour and can be printed on, appearing like conventional PVC decals. Bespoke options allow French to add distinctive patterning and ingredients to reflect a product or brand. This versatility meets diverse design needs while maintaining quality finishes. Collaboration with Boom, who handles the cutting and installation, ensures a professional execution.

Other Matter™ Decals exceed environmental and health safety standards by addressing the harmful impacts of PVC throughout its lifecycle. PVC decals release VOCs, including phthalates, which are linked to endocrine disruption and reduced fertility rates. Adhesives used often contain formaldehyde, a carcinogen. Other Matter™ Decals significantly minimise potential health and environmental risks by eliminating these toxic components. Sustainability is at the core of this innovation, starting with a responsibly sourced algae-based material. The circular design allows the decals to be returned and reformed, supporting a zero-waste system. They are recyclable and biodegradable.

Other Matter™ Decals represent a pioneering approach to circular and sustainable design. The project addresses environmental and health challenges while proving sustainability and excellence in design can coexist. The collaboration with Aesop showcases commercial viability and scalability and demonstrates how sustainable design can drive significant industry-wide changes.

Other Matter™ Decals showcase innovation through a patent-pending method for producing a sustainable alternative to conventional PVC decals from an algae-based polymer. They can be recycled entirely with water and heat, are biodegradable, and recyclable in a non-industrial process accessible to anyone. Their ability to mimic regular vinyl is a significant advancement over many biodegradable materials, which often look distinct from petrochemical plastics. These decals can be machined and installed with existing capabilities and removed without residue or damage, allowing for repositioning or reuse, further underscoring their practicality and innovation.

Other Matter™ Decals exceed environmental and health safety standards by addressing the harmful impacts of conventional PVC decals. PVC is harmful throughout its lifecycle as it releases toxic chemicals known as VOCs, including phthalates, which are linked to endocrine disruption and reduced fertility rates. The adhesives used often contain formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. By eliminating these toxic components, Other Matter™ Decals significantly reduce potential health and environmental risks. The main challenge was finding a non-petrochemical solution for decals, which did not exist.

Through collaboration with Boom Studios, designer Jessie French refined methods to meet production needs, including transport, cutting, printing, and installation. The partnership with Aesop further refined the product, addressing creative and technical needs, such as removing adhesive to enhance recycling capability.

Early Aesop briefs aimed to present custom-made decals that are visually distinct from PVC decals. However, Aesop is now pursuing campaign briefs that showcase how the product can be identical to conventional vinyl, which is vital for wider application.

Future plans involve scaling and decentralising production, and developing larger-scale manufacturing methods for better distribution. By addressing ecological and health concerns with a scalable solution, Other Matter™ Decals exemplify how sustainable design can drive significant industry-wide changes.

Other Matter™ Decals set a new standard for innovation and sustainability in the vinyl decals market, addressing environmental and social challenges.

Health and Safety:
By eliminating harmful chemicals such as phthalates and formaldehyde, they create healthier environments, particularly benefiting young people who are most impacted by endocrine-disrupting chemicals. This innovation also supports social justice by reducing pollutants affecting vulnerable communities and ecosystems.

Maximising reuse and minimising waste:
1.Circular System: Partnering with signage producers, we collect and recycle decals into new sheets using a simple, non-industrial process.
2. Non-Industrial Recycling: This process requires lower energy inputs and can be implemented in-house by small organisations, reducing raw material use and carbon footprint.
3. Decentralised Production: Plans for decentralised, scaled production enhance impact.

Environmental considerations in manufacturing:
1. Waste Reduction: Using renewable materials and a closed-loop lifecycle minimises waste production.
2. Energy and Water Use: Production is non-industrial and minimal in water usage.
3. Eco-Friendly Packaging: Packaging is designed to be minimal and environmentally responsible, using recycled materials.

Climate-conscious material sourcing:
The algae-based polymer is sustainably and renewably sourced. All components are non-toxic and natural. Extensive field research and collaboration with marine biologists and local stakeholders ensure responsible, sustainable harvesting.

Life-cycle analysis:
Ongoing life-cycle analysis, supported by peer networks like Parsons’ Healthy Materials Lab, indicates significant reductions in carbon footprint and environmental impact compared to conventional PVC decals. The closed-loop system and non-industrial recycling further enhance sustainability.

Other Matter Decals™ combines material innovation, a closed-loop lifecycle, and low-impact production processes.

Environmental and Human Health:
The decals address conventional PVC decals’ environmental and health impacts by offering a non-petrochemical, algae-based alternative. By eliminating toxic components found in PVC, such as VOCs and phthalates, Other Matter Decals™ significantly reduce health risks and ensure healthier environments for users and the broader community. The project highlights the importance of investing in sustainable practices and demonstrates design’s potential to contribute positively to environmental and human health.

Circular Design:
The product’s lifecycle is closed-loop, significantly reducing waste and environmental impact. By using a non-industrial recycling process, the decals can be reformed and reused without extensive industrial infrastructure. This approach reduces the carbon footprint and makes recycling more accessible and practical for users.

Sustainable Materials:
The material is recycled in a nonindustrial process and is biodegradable and non-toxic, eliminating the harmful chemicals associated with PVC production and disposal. The algae-based polymer is sustainably sourced, reducing dependence on finite fossil fuels.

Collaboration and Scalability:
Collaboration with brands like Aesop demonstrates the product’s commercial viability and scalability. Furthermore, it showcases how sustainable design can be integrated into mainstream commercial applications, driving industry-wide change. Plans are underway to scale production and establish centralised recycling hubs with strategic partners in Australia and internationally.