The Institute recently launched a Natural Materials Association (NMA) to expand its offering to members and to support the community with a multidisciplinary group.

Bernie Rickinson, Chief Executive of IOM3, said in support of this extension of Institute activity, 'The growing importance and use of natural products presents the Institute with a perfect opportunity to take a unique step forward on behalf of the UK. From bamboo textile socks to flax-reinforced plastic panels, the scope for applications of natural materials is immense'.

The Institute covers a spectrum of materials which, in natural form, are used for a growing number of applications. The NMA will establish a network of individuals whose interests embrace existing IOM3 communities and will reach out to natural material groups outside the Institute’s current membership.

The NMA will seek representation of content within:

• Wool, silk and cotton

• Natural rubber
• Stone  
• Clay  
• Wood  
• Flax and leather

The formation of the Association, which was endorsed by the IOM3 Council last year, provides a unique vehicle for sharing knowledge, particularly with the design community. It is expected that a chairman will develop a small board who will develop knowledge exchange activities. The strong interest of both academia and business in the study of biomimetics (learning from nature) is also likely to be explored within the NMA.

Further information

Natural Materials Association

IOM3 technical communities