Spelt husk material is a novel packaging solution intended for equal applications as packaging made of expanded polystyrene (EPS). In the future, husk packaging could therefore at least partially substitute plastics in the packaging sector, helping to reduce the consumption of fossil resources and address the challenges surrounding plastic littering. To enhance the understanding of the environmental implications of their production better, various scenarios to produce husk packaging are being investigated with life cycle assessment (LCA) along the ISO 14040 series and compared with one another. The aim is to determine how the selection of different materials, production parameters and production processes affects the LCA of husk packaging. The study investigates two material mixtures, M1 and M2, with different binders, which are necessary for the desired adhesion between the husks in the material. Additionally, the environmental impacts of husk packaging are evaluated against conventional packaging made of EPS and corrugated board. Both benchmark materials are highly technologised and well‐established packaging materials compared to husk packaging. The findings indicate that the production of husk packaging has higher environmental impacts in the analysed EF3.1 impact categories such as climate change—total, resource use—fossils, eutrophication—freshwater, eutrophication—terrestrial and acidification for the functional unit (FU) of one corner protector. Notably, M2 reduces impacts per corner by 13.3% compared to M1 but remains significantly higher than EPS regarding the impact categories climate change—total and resource use—fossils. However, the husk packaging is already in the same order of magnitude regarding the environmental impacts. For the FU of 1 kg of material, the husk packaging already performs better in the impact categories climate change—total and resource use—fossils compared to the benchmarking material EPS. In addition, material developments and especially a scale‐up in the production of husk packaging are expected to provide a major lever when comparing it to the highly technologised products EPS and corrugated board. The study also explores optimisation scenarios, including the use of a future renewable electricity grid mix and weight reduction strategies. Switching to a renewable electricity mix reduces climate change by 47%; a 50% on‐site electricity reduction yields 24% savings; a 20% mass reduction yields 20% savings. Combining all measures can lower climate change by up to 58% and resource use—fossils by 57%. Additionally, husk packaging also provides benefits in terms of the end of life (EoL) and littering, especially when compared to EPS. In this regard, the properties biobased, biodegradable and the use of agricultural residues play a major role.

This review examines the environmental implications of nonbiodegradable polymers, which have been a recognized concern for decades, and highlights the growing adoption of biodegradable and biocompatible polymers as sustainable alternatives. Biopolymers have gained significant attention due to their eco‐friendly properties and potential to replace nonbiodegradable plastics in various applications. The most effective approach to mitigating plastic waste involves substituting cost‐intensive, nonbiodegradable materials with biocompatible options that support environmental sustainability. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of existing literature on the effects of water and moisture absorption on the performance of biopolymers and their composites. Key findings on water and moisture absorption characteristics are summarized and critically analyzed. Furthermore, the review explores essential properties of biopolymers, processing methods for biopolymer composites, the mechanisms of water and moisture absorption, and related material characteristics. Finally, the article identifies potential directions for future research in advancing biopolymer technologies for sustainable applications.

The thermal and physiological comfort of fabric has emerged as a priority over service life and perceived value in today’s apparel industry. The balance between thermal and physical sensations of fabrics profoundly influences consumer perceptions of quality and impacts garment functionality in daily wear. This study aims to explore the thermal and physiological comfort properties of 10 samples of single‐knit jersey fabrics, selected to represent a wide range of commercial uses. Key thermal properties, including thermal resistance, effusivity, conductivity, and physical properties, such as air and water vapor permeability, were systematically evaluated to assess overall comfort. Significant differences were observed in the properties of knit jersey fabrics with varying fiber compositions. These findings indicate that material compositions are crucial in determining both the functional and thermal and physiological characteristics of single‐knit jersey fabrics. This knowledge enables the development of tailored fabric solutions to address specific consumer comfort requirements.

This study introduces a novel biofabrication strategy to create programmable, moisture‐responsive textiles from bacterial cellulose (BC) filaments, establishing a novel material platform that unites biological growth with textile engineering. By integrating BC fermentation, bioengineering, polymer science, and programmable knitting, we demonstrate how in situ and ex situ functionalization can transform microbial biopolymers into adaptive textile systems. BC filaments were produced from Komagataeibacter xylinus and mixed bacterial yeast cultures (SCOBY) using spiral molds and functionalized with chitosan and BslA in situ, and glycerol, NaOH, or chromoprotein ex situ. Comprehensive mechanical test was carried out with tensile test and physical tests with water contact angle and swelling. These characterizations identified combinations that yielded knittable hydrophilic and hydrophobic filaments with tunable flexibility, strength, and water‐responsiveness. Knitted hydrophilic BC filaments exhibited pronounced hygromorphic actuation, absorbing 49% water and swelling by 318% and enabling controlled shape transformation under moisture stimuli, while hydrophobic counterparts maintained dimensional stability. This research pioneers the use of biologically functionalized BC filaments for responsive textile fabrication, advancing sustainable smart materials that couple living‐inspired biofabrication with textile programmability, with potential applications in adaptive wearables, environmental sensing, and soft robotics.

Natural fiber‐reinforced, natural resin (NFR‐NR)–based biocomposites are a sustainable set of materials developed to offset the ecological and environmental consequences resulting from the use of man‐made composites. The biocomposites are reinforced with the vegetable fibers such as jute, flax, hemp, kenaf, and so on with biodegradable polymeric matrices such as polylactic acid (PLA), starch‐based plastics, soy protein resins, and lignin‐based thermosets. Due to their renewability, low density, biodegradability, and favorable mechanical properties, these materials are gaining significance for use in car parts, construction panels, packaging, and domestic goods. Distinct from the existing literature, the contribution of this review is that there is a systematic linking of processing techniques with properties in fully bio‐based materials in order to provide an application‐oriented overview. Environmental benefits, economic viability, and commercialization aspects are also addressed. Finally, key research gaps and directions for future development are presented to facilitate broader adoption of these green materials.

High‐entropy alloys (HEAs) represent a new approach in alloy design. Unlike traditional alloys, HEAs are made by combining several main elements in almost equal amounts, which results in unique mechanical and structural properties. One element that has gained a lot of attention for its role in HEAs is niobium (Nb). This is because Nb can enhance the alloy’s resistance to harsh environments, help control its structure and phases, and improve its strength. This review looks closely at how adding Nb to face‐centered cubic (FCC) HEAs affects various properties, such as how the alloy changes phases, its grain structure, strength, and resistance to oxidation and corrosion. It also discusses how different methods of producing these alloys, like vacuum arc melting, powder metallurgy, and 3D printing, can impact their structure and properties. The review further discusses the latest research on modeling HEAs, processing techniques, and the potential uses of Nb‐containing HEAs in different industries.

Structural colour arises from light interacting with nanoscale architectures, yet generalizable design rules for engineering such effects remain limited. Here, we introduce a predictive design framework for tunable structural colour based on simplified Morpho‐inspired photonic nanostructures. Using electromagnetic finite‐element simulations, we systematically vary geometric parameters and derive a linear scaling law linking structural dimensions to reflection wavelength, enabling both forward colour prediction and inverse geometry estimation. Angle‐resolved analyses reveal that reflectance is maximized at shallow incidence angles, offering insights for wide‐angle optical functionality. To support practical design workflows, simulated spectra are mapped into RGB colour space for intuitive visualization. This framework provides an efficient route to engineer bioinspired photonic surfaces with tunable colour responses, relevant for coatings, sensors, and optical materials.

The future markets of composite materials show a keen interest toward considering natural fibers due to the harmful effects of synthetic fibers and the environmental awareness of global manufacturers. The market demand and applications of natural fibers have increased momentously during the last decade and are expected to progress. The research study aims to develop a novel composite material encompassing indigenous fragrant screwpine fiber and polyester resin. For the purpose of determining the mechanical properties of the randomly oriented aromatic screwpine fiber–enhanced polyester composites, a range of fiber fractions (10, 20, 30, and 40 wt.%) and fiber lengths (3, 9 mm) was examined. The outcome points out that the tensile and flexural strength were superior for fiber loading up to 30 wt.% and then diminished, whereas the impact strength gradually increased. Based on the results obtained, mathematical equations were generated using machine learning software, and the predicted mechanical properties using the developed equations showed good conformity with the experimental values.

The mixing temperature of the guss asphalt mixture is generally 220°C–240°C during production, and the mixture needs to be heated and stirred during transportation, which puts forward higher requirements for the antiaging ability of asphalt. To address the issue of high‐temperature aging, this paper explores the use of graphene oxide (GO) to modify guss asphalt. The experimental study encompassed conducting short‐term aging tests by utilizing a rotating film oven. Microscopic analyses were performed with FTIR and AFM. Additionally, physical and rheological aging indices were used to assess the aging resistance of the GO‐modified asphalt. Adding the right amount of GO increases the residual penetration, residual ductility ratio, and phase angle aging index of asphalt, while reducing the softening point, complex modulus aging index, and rutting factor aging index. The test results indicate that the asphalt’s antiaging performance improves, and its resistance to permanent deformation is enhanced. Overall, the aging resistance of asphalt and its mixes is positively affected by the addition of GO. Among different contents, the aging resistance of the asphalt modified by the addition of 0.3% GO is most significantly enhanced.