Material Collection
Healthier Model-Making Materials
Physical models and prototypes offer valuable opportunities for project development and evaluation. As with building materials, the health of materials used for model-making is crucial but can be a challenge when only a few manufacturers disclose ingredients. The lack of transparency may be partially due to a lack of requests from designers, architects and users in general. Many model-making materials are also exempt from publishing safety data sheets under OSHA’s definition of these products as “articles” (see OSHA definition for "article").
With so little health information available, attention and ingenuity are vital. Ask questions. Be creative. Invent and innovate new materials. Grow your own mycelium, cast your own hemplime, work with found materials, make your own glue. Model making should echo the radical changes happening in building and create healthy, inventive options to materialize your ideas on a small scale.
Healthier Model-Making Materials
18 products
About Our Collections
The goal of our collections is to help promote transparency in the material ingredients of building products by fostering knowledge and awareness of products and materials for which life-cycle information is available, and that have environmentally, economically, and socially preferable life-cycle impacts.
Keep an eye out for the following symbols:
A Healthier Affordable Building Product
Products with the designation of "Healthier & Affordable" were specified and installed in at least one of our Case Studies of healthier affordable housing.
Available at the Donghia healthier Materials Library
The Donghia healthier Materials Library library is open to Parsons student and faculty. Learn more about access and opening hours here.
Low Embodied Carbon
“Embodied Carbon” is the total amount of carbon emitted during the process of making a material. *HML refers to a manufacturer's EPD to determine whether a product's A1-A3 carbon emissions falls within HML's threshold for Low Embodied Carbon.
New Product
This product has been added to the collection within the past six months.
Ingredient Disclosures
There are several ways of evaluating a material’s health that we include with product information. Disclosures are reports by manufacturers about product ingredients, impacts, or other attributes.
Key Disclosures include:
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
A voluntary technical specification for reporting information on product contents and associated health information, intended to be the health-analogue to Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs).
Declare Label
Declare is a transparency platform and product database that answers three questions:
1. Where does a product come from?
2. What is it made of?
3. Where does it go at the end of its life?
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
A standardized format for communicating the environmental effects associated with a product’s raw materials extraction, energy use, chemical makeup, waste generation, and emissions to air, soil, and water.
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
A reporting format that provides basic information about a material’s chemical ingredients, the potential safety hazards to installers, and recommended practices for installation.
Other
Manufacturer | Product | Ingredient Disclosures | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Pourables and Aggregates | Sugar | Simi Cakes and Confections | Isomalt |
IsomaltIsomalt is a product that is made by heating beet sugar, reducing it to disaccharide, then hydrogenating it using a catalytic converter. The end result is a sugar-like substance with lower levels of glucose than traditional sugar. Used most commonly in cake decorating, isomalt has the potential to replace resins or acrylic in model making. CategoryPourables and Aggregates, SugarManufacturerSimi Cakes and Confections![]() Material composition*Beet sugar *as reported by the manufacturer AVAILABLE SIZING6 ounces COLORSAvailable in a range of colors CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Other
Last UpdatedFebruary 27, 2018 |
Fibrous, Cellulosic, & Granular Insulation | Seaweed | Advance Nonwoven | Seaweed Insulation |
Seaweed InsulationAvailable At the Donghia Materials LibrarySeaweed insulation provides an organic alternative to materials such as mineral wool. Seaweed mats are formed using heat and high-pressure compression. It allows for a long lifetime and for repeated recycling, either reused as insulation or transformed into 2D or 3D designs. Advance Nonwoven's Seaweed Insulation is Cradle to Cradle Gold Certified. Their standard product contains no added flame retardants or antimicrobials. However, because these additives are available upon request, it is best to emphasize a desire for no added treatments when ordering the material. CategoryFibrous, Cellulosic, & Granular Insulation, SeaweedManufacturerAdvance Nonwoven![]() Material composition*90% seaweed, 10% recycled fiber *as reported by the manufacturer AVAILABLE SIZINGThickness 10-250 mm, width 1200 mm max, length is unlimited CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Other
Cradle to Cradle Certified Product Standard
Last UpdatedMarch 13, 2018 |
Packaging | Corn | KTM Industries, Inc. | Green Cell Foam |
Green Cell FoamMade primarily from U.S. grown, non-GMO cornstarch, Green Cell Foam is a healthier and more environmentally friendly alternative to petroleum-based foams. This material is compostable, biodegradable, and water soluble. Its manufacture requires 70% less energy and generates 80% less greenhouse gas than traditional foams. CategoryPackaging, CornManufacturerKTM Industries, Inc.![]() Material composition*Corn Starch >90%, Water/Proprietary Additives/Processing Aids 1-10% *as reported by the manufacturer AVAILABLE SIZINGAvailable in 1/4" and 1/2", with variable lamination thickness options COLORSAvailable in a range of colors CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Other
Last UpdatedJune 04, 2019 |
Board Insulation | Cork | Amorim Isolamentos | Thermacork Standard Insulation |
Thermacork Standard InsulationAvailable At the Donghia Materials LibraryThermacork is a 100% natural, renewable, recyclable, and biodegradable rigid-insulation material produced from natural cork. Under the effect of pressure and superheated steam, cork granules expand and are agglomerated, originating blocks, avoiding any type of added adhesives. Cork forests benefit the environment, acting as habitats for a diverse range of species and providing a carbon sink that captures CO2 and greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. Like most cork producers, Amorim Isolamentos, S.A. is based in Portugal. Thermacork's R-value is declared at 4/inch. CategoryBoard Insulation, CorkManufacturerAmorim Isolamentos![]() Material composition*100% cork (suberin, lignin and cellulose). *as reported by the manufacturer AVAILABLE SIZING8"x 39” Panel - Available in a variety of thicknesses COLORSBurnt Cork CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Other
Declare | Red List Free
FSC Certification
Last UpdatedSeptember 01, 2020 |
Packaging | Polylactic Acid (PLA) | Synbra Technology | BioFoam |
BioFoamBioFoam is a plant-based alternative to traditional EPS foams. This product is made from PLA (polylactic acid), a type of polymer derived from the production of sugar cane. Beads of PLA (BioBeads) are made through the fermentation process of the sugar cane, and then are expanded with CO2 into EPS-like pearls. BioFoam is the first CO2 neutral foam in the world, and is Cradle to Cradle Silver Certified. CategoryPackaging, Polylactic Acid (PLA)ManufacturerSynbra Technology![]() Material composition*Polylactic Acid (PLA) *as reported by the manufacturer COLORSOff-white beads CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Other
Cradle to Cradle | Silver
Additional DocumentsLast UpdatedSeptember 25, 2022 |
Packaging | Mycelium | Ecovative | MycoComposite |
MycoCompositeAvailable At the Donghia Materials LibraryEcovative uses mycelium as a binder for regionally sourced non-food agricultural waste to make a bio-based alternative to plastic foam packaging and insulation materials. MycoComposite is biodegradable, naturally flame resistant, and water resistant. Ecovative licenses this material to various partners such as Mushroom Packaging, Magic Mushrooms, Grown.bio, Bio Fab, and Grow.bio to create packaging, insulation, furniture pieces and kits. CategoryPackaging, MyceliumManufacturerEcovative![]() Material composition*Mycelium (binder), hemp (substrate), flour (nutrition) *as reported by the manufacturer CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Other
Cradle to Cradle | Platinum
Last UpdatedAugust 05, 2020 |
Adhesive | Polyvinyl Acetate (PVA) | Dick Blick Art Materials | Multi-Purpose White Glue |
Multi-Purpose White GlueBlick's Multi-Purpose White Glue works on both porous and non-porous materials. This product has an AP certification from ACMI, which means it has been evaluated by a medical expert and certified as non-toxic. CategoryAdhesive, Polyvinyl Acetate (PVA)ManufacturerDick Blick Art Materials![]() AVAILABLE SIZINGAvailable in 4 ounce, 8 ounce, 16 ounce, and 128 ounce bottles COLORSWhite CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Other
AP Seal
Last UpdatedJuly 25, 2019 |
Adhesive | Polyvinyl Acetate (PVA) | Dick Blick Art Materials | White Glue Stick |
White Glue StickBlick's Glue Sticks dry clear and create a permanent bond. They are suitable for use on paper, cardboard, and fabric. This product has an AP certification from ACMI, indicating it has been evaluated by medical & toxicological experts as non-toxic. CategoryAdhesive, Polyvinyl Acetate (PVA)ManufacturerDick Blick Art Materials![]() AVAILABLE SIZINGAvailable in 0.28 ounce, 0.70 ounce, and 1.41 ounce sticks COLORSWhite, Purple CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Other
AP Seal
Last UpdatedJuly 25, 2019 |
Adhesive | Polyvinyl Acetate (PVA) | Dick Blick Art Materials | Washable School Glue |
Washable School GlueBlick's Multi-Purpose White Glue works on both porous and non-porous materials. This product has an AP certification from ACMI, indicating it has been evaluated by medical & toxicological experts as non-toxic. CategoryAdhesive, Polyvinyl Acetate (PVA)ManufacturerDick Blick Art Materials![]() AVAILABLE SIZINGAvailable in 4 ounce, 8 ounce, 16 ounce, and 128 ounce bottles COLORSWhite CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Other
AP Seal
Last UpdatedJuly 22, 2019 |
Pourables and Aggregates | Plaster | DAP | Plaster of Paris |
Plaster of ParisPlaster of Paris, also known as gypsum plaster, is a healthier choice for casting materials. DAP's Plaster of Paris is made from gypsum, limestone, and quartz. It sets in 20-30 minutes without shrinking and is intended for interior use. This product is ideal for hobby, molds, and casts. CategoryPourables and Aggregates, PlasterManufacturerDAP![]() Material composition*Plaster of Paris 75-100%, Limestone 10-25%, Quartz 1-2.5% *as reported by the manufacturer AVAILABLE SIZING4.4 lb. box of dry plaster COLORSWhite CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Other
Last UpdatedJuly 22, 2019 |
Dimensional Surface | Plywood | Columbia Forest Products | PureBond Hardwood Plywood |
PureBond Hardwood PlywoodA Healthier Affordable Building ProductAvailable At the Donghia Materials LibraryColumbia Forest Product's PureBond hardwood plywood is formaldehyde-free, and is instead made with a soy-based binder. This North American-made product is also cost-competitive with standard plywood products, making it a fantastic healthier alternative. It contains 95% Biobased content according to Bioprefered.gov. CategoryDimensional Surface, PlywoodManufacturerColumbia Forest Products![]() Material composition*Wood Dust 95.65%, Other components below the reportable levels, (the specific chemical identity and/or percentage of composition has been held withheld as a trade secret) <1% *as reported by the manufacturer AVAILABLE SIZING2’x 4’, 2’x 8’, 4’x 8’, 4’x 10’ Panels - available in standard thickness COLORSVariety of wood species CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Other
FSC Certification
Rainforest Alliance Certification
Biopreferred
Additional DocumentsLast UpdatedSeptember 26, 2016 |
Dimensional Surface | Plywood | Columbia Forest Products | PureBond Classic Core® Plywood |
PureBond Classic Core® PlywoodA Healthier Affordable Building ProductAvailable At the Donghia Materials LibraryClassic Core® is a combination core panel construction where cross bands of thin MDF are utilized in place of veneer cross bands. Classic Core® can be manufactured with bonded crossbands which do not contain added formaldehyde. PureBond Classic Core® may contribute to LEED® 2009 credit IEQ 4.4 and conforms to CARB II exempt emission requirements called for in LEED V4. It contains 95% Biobased Content according to Bioprefered.gov. CategoryDimensional Surface, PlywoodManufacturerColumbia Forest Products![]() Material composition*Wood Dust 98%, Polymerized Methylenediphenyl-Diisocyanate <10% *as reported by the manufacturer AVAILABLE SIZING4’x 8’, 4’x 10’ Panels - 1/2”, 5/8”, 3/4”, 1” and 1-1/4” thickness COLORSVariety of wood species CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Other
FSC Certification
Rainforest Alliance Certification
Biopreferred
Additional DocumentsLast UpdatedSeptember 26, 2016 |
Dimensional Surface | Solid Wood | Midwest Products | Basswood |
BasswoodSustainably harvested basswood is a healthy choice for model-making. Midwest Product’s basswood is harvested in Northern Michigan and Wisconsin, making it a preferable domestic wood. CategoryDimensional Surface, Solid WoodManufacturerMidwest Products![]() Material composition*Basswood 100% *as reported by the manufacturer AVAILABLE SIZINGAvailable in a range of sizes, in scale lumber and sheets CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Other
Last UpdatedJuly 25, 2019 |
Adhesive | Wheat | Playbox | Wheat Paste |
Wheat PasteWheatpaste is a natural, non-toxic adhesive. It has been in use for centuries and is commonly used to put up posters, make paper-mâché and collage, and for archival quality bookbinding. Playbox’s product is made from real wheat and is free of preservatives. It is sold in powder form and can be activated by adding water. Alternatively, wheat paste can be easily and inexpensively made at home. There are many DIY recipes, including this one, online. The gluten in wheat flour lends a permanent bond to wheat paste. Changing the ingredients will alter the permanence of the adhesive. CategoryAdhesive, WheatManufacturerPlaybox![]() Material composition*Starch <70%, Crystalline Silica <0.5% *as reported by the manufacturer AVAILABLE SIZINGAvailable in 1 lb. and 3 lb. buckets COLORSWhite, dries clear CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Other
Last UpdatedJuly 25, 2019 |
Sculpting | Beeswax | Stockmar | Modelling Beeswax |
Modelling BeeswaxStockmar’s Modelling Beeswax is a nondrying wax that warms in your hand to create a reusable molding material. The product carries an AP Seal. It was developed for use in early childhood education, and was designed to be non-toxic and safe for this sensitive audience. In addition to meeting the toxicology standards of the AP Seal, Stockmar commissions an independent residual analysis laboratory to test every batch of ingredients that they use in their products. CategorySculpting, BeeswaxManufacturerStockmar![]() Material composition*Paraffin (Microcrystalline Waxes) 64%, Beeswax 30%, Venetian Turpentine 3%, Synthetic Organic and/or Synthetic Inorganic Color Pigments >3% *as reported by the manufacturer AVAILABLE SIZINGAvailable in 100mm x 40mm and 240mm x 100mm sheets COLORSAvailable in 15 colors CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Other
AP Seal
Last UpdatedJuly 30, 2019 |
Dimensional Surface | Hardboard | Ampersand Art | Hardboard |
HardboardAmpersand Art’s hardboard is a healthy, sustainable option for model-making. Sometimes referred to by the trade name Masonite, hardboard is a composite wood material that’s made by compressing wood dust. Ampersand Art’s flat panel board is 1/8” thick. It is NAUF, meaning it is made without urea formaldehyde and is made from FSC certified wood. CategoryDimensional Surface, HardboardManufacturerAmpersand Art![]() Material composition*Wood Dust, Linseed Oil *as reported by the manufacturer AVAILABLE SIZING1/8" thick boards are available in 5x7, 6x8, 8x10, 9x12, 11x14, 12x12, 12x16, 12x24, 14x18, 16x20, 18x24, 18x36, 24x36 inch flat panels CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Other
Additional DocumentsLast UpdatedJuly 30, 2019 |
Dimensional Surface | Hardboard | Ampersand Art | Clayboard |
ClayboardAmpersand Art’s clayboard is a healthy, sustainable option for model-making. This product is made of the company's 1/8” thick flat hardboard panel, also called Masonite, coated in a layer of kaolin clay. The hardboard is NAUF and is made with FSC certified wood. The clay finish is sanded to a very smooth surface, making it ideal for painting. CategoryDimensional Surface, HardboardManufacturerAmpersand Art![]() Material composition*Kaolin, Wood Dust, Linseed Oil *as reported by the manufacturer AVAILABLE SIZING1/8" thick boards are available in 4x4, 5x5, 5x7, 6x6, 6x8, 8x8, 8x10, 9x12, 10x10, 11x14, 12x12, 12x16, 12x24, 14x18, 16x16, 16x20, 18x24, 18x36, and 24x36 inch flat panels COLORSWhite CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Other
Additional DocumentsLast UpdatedJuly 30, 2019 |
Packaging | Starch | Paperfoam | Paperfoam |
PaperfoamAvailable At the Donghia Materials LibraryPaperfoam is a packaging material made from starch, FSC-certified cellulose fibers, water and a proprietary pre-mix. It contains 88% biobased content, according to Bioprefered.gov. It can be recycled within the paper stream and is home compostable. As declared by the manufacturer, the material, including the pre-mix, is free from formaldehyde, solvents, PFAS, flame retardants, bisphenols, phthalates, and heavy metals. It can be injection moulded and embossed. CategoryPackaging, StarchManufacturerPaperfoam![]() Material composition*Starch 70%, Cellulose fibers 12% , Proprietary Pre-mix 18% *as reported by the manufacturer CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Other
Biopreferred
Last UpdatedJanuary 03, 2023 |
The products in this collection have all been evaluated holistically for their contents and performance. A general lack of transparency in the current market makes evaluating the health of model-making materials challenging. With little information available, we have included products in this collection that have disclosed at least 75% of their ingredients by weight and/or carry a ACMI AP certification.
Spec Guidance
Avoid petroleum-based foam products. Polystyrene, which is commonly used to make foam core and sculptural foam, contains harmful halogenated flame retardants, which are endocrine disruptors and carcinogens. Polystyrene foam may off-gas styrene, a possible carcinogen. Instead, seek alternative board materials. New developments in healthier biofoams offer exciting substitutes.
Choose domestic modeling wood. Similar in performance and availability, basswood is typically grown in the U.S., as opposed to balsa wood which is harvested from tropical forests in Central America.
Prefer natural clays. Modeling clay can be a great way to create sketch models and quickly represent your ideas in three dimensions. However, many modeling clays are made from PVC (which contain harmful phthalates) or plastic polymers. Look for earth-based, flour-based, or oil-based products.
Look for materials with the AP Seal. The AP (Approved Product) Seal is a third-party certification that identifies materials having undergone a toxicological evaluation by a medical expert and are proven to be non-toxic. The AP Seal is Awarded by the Art and Creative Materials Institute (ACMI).
Be experimental. Look for healthier, innovative alternatives. Out-of-the-industry materials can lead to beautiful, inventive models.
Consider a mechanical fastener where possible to avoid adhesives.
Updated May 17, 2017
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