Featured Articles

Written by The Wall Street Journal Custom Studios, 2019

A MATERIALS WORLD#01

Green growth: innovation to drive change for a sustainable future

As global populations grow and we continue to deplete the earth’s natural resources, there’s a major opportunity for innovative businesses to mastermind solutions, help repair the damage and empower consumers to make sustainable choices.

A MATERIALS WORLD#02

Moral fiber: sugar cane replaces petroleum to make eco-friendly polyester fabrics

The development of plant-based polyester could help save the earth by changing what we wear, while significant sales figures suggest consumers are all too happy to make the switch to eco-apparel.

A MATERIALS WORLD#03

Sweet success for biomass technologies

The need for more sustainable manufacturing processes has led to exciting innovations in the development of new biotechnologies, notably in the global production of sugar.

A MATERIALS WORLD#04

Material benefits: how carbon fiber is reducing our environmental footprint

Carbon fiber is a “wonder” material, adding exceptional strength without weight to aircraft, wind turbines and cars. New technologies devoted to improving its production and recycling mean even greater environmental benefits lie ahead.

A MATERIALS WORLD#05

The materials that are building a renewable energy economy

To halt the rise of harmful greenhouse gas emissions, we need to convert as many sectors of the economy to renewable energy as quickly as possible. Advanced materials are improving the efficiency of the renewable energy industry while helping other sectors, such as transport, adapt to electrification.

A MATERIALS WORLD#06

Reducing the environmental impact of materials through smart manufacturing

According to the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, we are currently consuming more than twice the resources that our planet can replenish – so the race is on to do more with less.

A MATERIALS WORLD#07

Turn of the tide: tackling water scarcity with technology and common purpose

As the world’s water crisis intensifies, governments, business and communities are uniting to protect clean water sources, use them more responsibly, and even create new drinking water from the sea.

A MATERIALS WORLD#08

Membrane innovation turns seawater into freshwater
– giving life where hope runs dry

The global water crisis is being tackled with new technologies – with encouraging results. Specialized water-purification membranes can separate the salt from seawater and deliver clean water to millions of people worldwide.

A MATERIALS WORLD#09

Synthetic innovation helps translate nature’s greatest narrative: our genes

Our genes are the blueprints of life – and advanced technology is enabling experts to analyze them in dynamic new ways. The result: earlier detection of diseases and a healthier outlook for future generations.

A MATERIALS WORLD#10

Life and breath: innovative fabrics on the frontline against disease

The need to protect health workers operating in hazardous conditions has led to remarkable innovations in the development of biohazard gear. Advanced fabric technology is now helping to protect the lives of those who save them.

A MATERIALS WORLD#11

Long-life fabric gains new meaning as wearable tech promotes wellbeing for an aging world

Technologies associated with “performance fabrics” are advancing all the time, meaning a step up in quality of life and health for everyone – from athletes to seniors

A MATERIALS WORLD#12

Tomorrow and Toray: innovative materials are the foundation of our sustainable future

At a crucial time for humanity, we should be directing our knowledge and ingenuity towards making a more positive and sustainable impact on the planet we inhabit