Elissa Brunato: exploring the materials shaping our future

Green Canvas

Elissa Brunato is a designer and researcher who explores the intersection between human demands and wider ecological systems.

This exploration has led Elissa to tackle the huge environmental footprint caused by the production of modern-day sequins. Industrial sequins are made from petroleum-based plastic or synthetic resins and due to their miniature size exacerbate the micro-plastic issues our planet currently faces.

So in 2019, Elissa worked alongside material scientists to create naturally shimmering sequins that are made from a structural component found in plant cell walls called cellulose. The sequins are compostable, lightweight, strong and offer a glimpse into the solutions sustainable materials provide and the possibilities that lay on the horizon at the intersection between design and science.

Elissa’s projects also include exploring industrial flat glass production and the issues that stem from its widespread manufacturing to create the buildings that dominate urban landscapes across the world today.

Elissa's work has been exhibited around the world, won a range of acclaimed awards and been featured in publications like Dezeen, Creative Review and Fast Company. If you’d like to see some of Elissa’s work, here are a couple links to the projects we spoke about in this episode:

• Bio Iridescent Sequins
• Float

And if you’re interested learning more about Green Canvas, you can find us on our website. We hope you enjoy the episode!