Material Innovation

Harnessing the power of
Nature and Science into
Material Innovation

The Rice Husk Biocomposite

While designing the Mellow Mugs, our aim was to create products that are Durable and are Built to last, allowing us to keep our favourite mugs forever.

As fascinated as we were by the environmental benefits of using Agricultural Residue, it had its own limitations. Using solely crop waste to create products could lead to degradation and loss of structural integrity over time.

To overcome this, we embarked on a journey of extensive Material Innovation iterations. The result of our dedication and research is our current breakthrough: a biocomposite blend of rice husk reinforced with polypropylene in a 1:1 ratio.

A biocomposite is a material formed with natural fibres reinforced by a matrix/ binder, in our case, Rice Husk with Polypropylene.

Did we say Polypropylene?

Yes, that’s right. We realise that it raises eyebrows, but let us elaborate.

The amalgamation of Poly-propylene with Rice Husk not only augments environmental benefits but increases product functionality. Key benefits include:

Enhanced Durability

PP-Rice husk blend enhances durability by reinforcing structural integrity, making the material more resistant to impact, stress, and wear.

Prolonged Life Cycle:

Incorporating polypropylene extends the overall life cycle reducing the need for frequent replacement and production, saving energy and resources.

Recycling and
Circular Economy

Combining PP with RH enables potential recycling by providing compatibility with existing recycling processes, allowing the material to be effectively reused and contributing to a circular economy approach.

Thermal Insulation

The combination enhances thermal insulation by leveraging the synergistic effects of organic compounds, lower thermal conductivity of PP, and the presence of air pockets within the structure.

Enhanced Durability

PP-Rice husk blend enhances durability by reinforcing structural integrity, making the material more resistant to impact, stress, and wear.

Prolonged Life Cycle:

Incorporating polypropylene extends the overall life cycle reducing the need for frequent replacement and production, saving energy and resources.

Recycling and
Circular Economy

Combining PP with RH enables potential recycling by providing compatibility with existing recycling processes, allowing the material to be effectively reused and contributing to a circular economy approach.

Thermal Insulation

The combination enhances thermal insulation by leveraging the synergistic effects of organic compounds, lower thermal conductivity of PP, and the presence of air pockets within the structure.

How Is It Made

Sourcing Agricultural Residue

Rice husk is directly collected from farmers which is then cleaned and ground into fine particles.

The Bio-Composite

These particles are then combined with Food-safe binders to add Strength and Durability.

Moulded Into Opulent Essentials

That are Lightweight & Break Resistant, while also being Microwave /Freezer/ Dishwasher Safe.

At MAE, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of material innovation, harnessing the power of nature and science to present materials that are Made of Earthen Elements and help us Restore Nature, one step at a time.

Join us In the movement towards a better future by choosing the MAE Mellow Mug.

Let's Make Difference!