Could biodegradable plastics made from natural substances such as algae replace fossil-fuel polymers? Here are 10 examples of designers that are experimenting with environmentally friendly alternatives.
More about 10 bioplastic projects made from algae, corn starch and other natural materials
The traditional craft of weaving is experiencing a modern revival, as makers experiment with digital technologies and taboo topics. Here are six individuals who are leading the movement. More about Six contemporary weavers who are bringing innovation to textile craft
Northumbria University design graduate Will de Brett has redesigned the everyday electrical plug, making it pin-less and stackable to accommodate numerous devices. More about Pin-free Mi Plug project reimagines power outlets for the 21st century
Artist Katrin Spranger's series of copper and glass sculptures made from plumbing parts and laboratory objects look to an imagined dystopian future. More about Katrin Spranger's copper and glass objects imagine a future where water is scarce
Japanese studio Nendo has designed a table from ceramic lotus leaves and a series of ornamental flowers made from cup handles for Parisian porcelain company Sèvres. More about Nendo makes lilypad table and decorative flowers from Sèvres porcelain
The latest Dezeen competition offers readers the chance to win one of three colourful desk tidies by German product designer Tino Seubert. More about Competition: win a Flute pencil tray by Tino Seubert
New York studio Visibility has created a refillable deodorant system for Myro, which uses 50 per cent less plastic than a regular disposable toiletry. More about Myro's recyclable refill system offers alternative to disposable deodorants
Mexican designer Marco Antonio Barba Sánchez has won a James Dyson Award for inventing a low-cost seawater purifier, for castaways and people without access to drinking water. More about Bermuda is a pop-up seawater purifier that uses light to remove salt
Nottinghamshire-based textile brand Kirkby Design has partnered with British designer Tom Dixon to transform photographs of textured materials such as foil and hair into digitally printed textiles. More about Kirkby Design and Tom Dixon launch fabrics digitally printed with photos of foil and hair
Tech company Kano has created a coding kit for the Harry Potter universe, with a wand that users can programme to cast spells when they wave their hand. More about Kano's Harry Potter wand kit lets you code spells
Slimmer, lighter devices are the goal for most technology companies, but not Kano. In this interview, the designers behind the pioneering STEM toy company make their case for tech products that can be easily disassembled. More about Kano battles "throwaway culture of electronics" by teaching kids how to take apart their tech
Granby Workshop, the social enterprise set up by Turner Prize-winning architecture collective Assemble, has launched a range of brightly coloured tiles. More about Assemble's Granby Workshop releases "extremely vibrant" Encaustic Tiles
Italian designers Simone Caronni, Paolo Stefano Gentile and Pietro Gaeli have created an ecological packaging for fries made from recycled potato skins, as a sustainable alternative to paper. More about Peel Saver is an ecological packaging for fries made from potato skins
Technology company Elvie has launched a cordless breast pump designed to be worn inconspicuously in any nursing bra. More about Elvie launches wearable breast pump that's silent and wireless
An abstract chess set made from recycled materials by Marco Campardo and Lorenzo Mason is among five objects commissioned by the Ace Hotel for the fourth edition of Ready Made Go. More about Abstract chess set and blue tableware created for London's Ace Hotel
French designer Pierre Charrié has reimagined traditional Peruvian singing vessels with his collection of coloured musical jugs. More about The Pan whistling jug sounds a musical note as you pour
Fashion designer Jonathan Saunders has designed a collection of eight rugs, which mark a departure from the bright colours that the Scottish designer has become synonymous with. More about Jonathan Saunders experiments with muted colours for latest rug collection
Dezeen promotion: Italian tile manufacturer Ceramica Rondine has released porcelain stone flooring that is designed to look like wooden floorboards. More about Ceramica Rondine's Greenwood tiles are designed to look like oak floorboards
The work of expert metalworkers from the northwest of Japan is on show in an exhibition for London Design Festival. More about London Design Festival exhibition shines a light on Japanese metalwork masters
Scholten & Baijings has installed a tea party with a modern twist in London department store Fortnum & Mason, made up of more than 80 objects designed by the Dutch duo. More about Scholten & Baijings installs contemporary tea party inside Fortnum & Mason