ADVANCED BIOMATERIALS THAT RESTORE NATURE’S BALANCE
Primitives is a biodesign lab that develops advanced materials that restore nature's balance through materials science, innovative design, and cutting-edge engineering. From compostable plastics that sense and respond to the environment, to the world's first biomarble made from destructive sea urchins—Primitives is working to reshape the modern materials landscape into a system for nature and biodiversity regeneration. Working in partnership with non-profits, governments, industry, research organizations, cultural institutions, and regional communities, Primitives provides creative technologies that solve complex problems grounded in measurable impact. Their architectural surfaces brand, Marblis™, brings this vision to the built environment and introduces a new class of stone surfaces called Biocalcite, engineered to support ecosystem repair and design performance.
The Material Primitives Platform
Primitives has developed a portfolio of sustainable materials that deliver ecosystem benefits and emissions reductions. From biopolymers to biominerals, and natural compounds, our materials platform enables our partners to realize a future where the materials around us are intelligent, functional, and biodegradable.
Transforming Overpopulated Sea Urchins Into Biomarble
MARBLIS™ is the new consumer-facing brand from Primitives, which will serve as the platform for materials and products for the built environment. MARBLIS is an architectural surfaces brand that produces engineered biomarble, from biocalcites derived from overpopulated or invasive species.
Biodegradable Sensors & Actuators Made From Seaweed
Organic Primitives is a library of stimuli responsive biopolymers that give objects a “voice”, to communicate with us by converting chemical input into human senses by changing color, odor, and form in response to fluids. It offers a new medium for extending human interaction and sensory experience with organic, fluid-based systems by transforming mundane objects into information displays that exhibit life-like properties.
Compostable Packaging That Reduce Food Waste & Plastics Pollution
Primitives developed compostable packaging that reduces waste by sensing and displaying food quality - so you know when food is still good to eat. The packaging senses the environment, communicates during use, and biodegrades at its end of life. The solution reduces food waste & plastics pollution by diverting waste from landfills to compost streams. Creating a world where there’s more food, and less garbage. The technology draws inspiration from autumn leaves that signal the changing of the seasons. The multilayered films are made from macroalgae and other biocompounds.
Offerings
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BIODESIGN & PRODUCT INNOVATION
We integrate biology with design to create designs that are not only visionary but also ecologically grounded. From ideation to execution, our creative direction is informed by sound science, biology, and systems thinking, ensuring harmony between nature, culture, and commerce. We develop innovative products that bridge narrative with real-world performance and functionality.
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MATERIALS AND TECHNOLOGY R&D
Our team pioneers the discovery and development of sustainable materials, leveraging biotechnology, biofabrication, and circular design principles. Whether replacing petrochemical plastics or developing new products from waste, we deliver solutions that push the boundaries of material performance and environmental impact. Every innovation is guided by technical rigor, tested performance, and expert validation to ensure scientific robustness and market readiness.
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ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STRATEGY
From food waste and GHG emissions reduction to new uses for invasive & overpopulated species, we help organizations implement strategies that measurable impact, while creating economic and social value. We identify opportunities, build roadmaps, and perform diligence on new and existing projects to enable your organization to exceed your ESG targets.