Shellworks has developed Vivomer, a compostable material that's petroleum-free.

Shellworks has developed a petroleum-free material called Vivomer, a fully bio-based and home-compostable alternative to single-use plastic.

Working in collaboration with nature, Vivomer is made and unmade by microbes.

In its application, it is moulded to create primary packaging including a range of tubs and caps – providing a drop-in solution for personal care businesses of all sizes.

"Vivomer is stable in use and formula compatible, with the ability to be reused and recycled," said Shellworks. "Once disposed of, naturally occurring bacteria in the environment see it as food and enzymatically break it down, leaving no microplastics behind."

This project has been longlisted in the material innovation category of Dezeen Awards 2023.

Studio: Shellworks
Project: Vivomer
Credits: Bambu Studio