Roleen’s research is about rethinking how materials are designed and experienced, from land to sea. The resulting design proposal is for a materials hub, specifically for the Philippines. The focus is on what is local in the Philippines, regarding materials and the species and ecosystems that need to be considered in developing and testing materials. Key parts of the hub are collaboration, ecological safety testing, and access to the life cycle information of materials. The hub helps material designers make materials that are both ecologically safe and technically sound. It connects them with companies in the Philippines looking for alternatives to petroleum-based plastics, in compliance with recent policies. The hub aims to create and utilise materials that are compatible with ecosystems. By replacing problematic materials, we can prevent harm and fatalities. Additionally, a localised material system would support livelihoods and contribute to shifts toward a circular economy.

Photocredits: ©Liv Burkhard