Trace Material is a new podcast exploring the intersection of our lives and the lives of the materials that surround us. Each season we dig into a material you might find in your interior environment to discover what it can tell us about our history, our culture, and our bodies.
Trace Material is a project of Parsons Healthy Materials Lab at the New School. It is produced by Ava Robinson, Burgess Brown and the HML team. Thank you to Winona LaDuke and Peter Hille for lending their voices, thoughts and experiences to this episode. And special thanks to Friends of Healthier Materials who help make this possible. Our theme music is “Rainbow Road” by Cardioid. Additional music from Blue Dot Sessions.
Downloads
Download the Press ReleaseTrace Material
8 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.
Product in Development
Products with this designation identify they are currently scaling or only available in markets outside of the building industry. they could be experimental or in use in capsule collections.
Available in the EU
Products with this designation are currently available only in the European Union and identified as being an exemplary healthy option in the respective product group.
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.
USDA Certified Biobased Product Label
Managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the goal of the BioPreferred Program is to increase the purchase and use of biobased products.
Other
Category | Sub-category | Manufacturer | Product | Ingredient Disclosures | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Insulation / Fibrous, Cellulosic, Granular | Hemp | Hempitecture | Hempwool | HPD Declare EPD SDS |
HempwoolHempwool insulation has a low carbon footprint, shows excellent insulation values, is hypoallergenic, and due to its ingredients allows for a non-hazardous installation. According to Hempitecture, the mix of 92% hemp fiber and 8% polyester is heated to bond and increase strength. Polyester is petrochemically based and will not biodegrade. Alternatives are other man-made substances, currently. We appreciate this North American-made product and look forward to a healthier option as it evolves. It contains 89% Biobased Content and has been awarded the USDA Certified Biobased Product Label in the BioPreferred® Program. Note: Hempwool's declare R-value is 3.7/inch. CategoryInsulation / Fibrous, Cellulosic, Granular, HempManufacturerHempitectureMaterial composition*92% hemp, 8 % polyester *as reported by the manufacturer CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
USDA Certified Biobased Product Label
Other
USDA Certified Biobased Product Label
Last UpdatedApril 01, 2024 |
Pourables and Aggregates | Hemp Hurd | Hemp Eco Systems Group | HES-hemp hurd | HPD Declare EPD SDS |
HES-hemp hurdHemp hurds are the tough woody interior of the hemp plant. It is harvested by decorticating - separating - the inner hurd material from the softer, fibrous exterior of the stalk. The component silica (sand) in the plant prevents from burning or rotting and with the immense strength of the hurd it makes Hemp Hurd an versatile building material - it is used in, e.g., insulation and wall systems. HES Hemp Hurd is mainly from Europe with the US distribution currently on the west coast. The HES-hemp hurd R-value is declared at 3.1/inch. CategoryPourables and Aggregates, Hemp HurdManufacturerHemp Eco Systems GroupMaterial composition*100% pure crushed hemp hurd *as reported by the manufacturer AVAILABLE SIZINGHES approved Hemp Hurds in 44 lb bags CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
USDA Certified Biobased Product Label
Other
Last UpdatedJune 20, 2023 |
Textile | Hemp | NYTextileLab | 2/10’s 80/20 wool and hemp blend, Ivory | HPD Declare EPD SDS |
2/10’s 80/20 wool and hemp blend, IvoryAvailable At the Donghia Materials LibraryNew York Textile Lab designs yarns and textiles with an economically diverse and sustainable supply chain at the forefront of their mind. The fibers used are grown on climate beneficial soil within the North Eastern Region. This Hemp Wool Yarn is developed by the Textile Lab and produced with partnering manufacturers in the USA. CategoryTextile, HempManufacturerNYTextileLabMaterial composition*70% fine wool sourced from Oregon, 30% domestic hemp from Nebraska. *as reported by the manufacturer CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
USDA Certified Biobased Product Label
Other
Last UpdatedJuly 11, 2023 |
Sealer/ Surface | Oil_Hemp | The Real Milk Paint | Hemp Oil | HPD Declare EPD SDS |
Hemp OilAvailable At the Donghia Materials LibraryHemp oil is a healthier finish and works particularly well on wood. The Real Milk Paint’s Hemp Oil is free of additives, preservatives, solvents, and VOCs. It is thinner than tung oil, making it easier to apply without the addition of a solvent. However, hemp oil is less durable and waterproof than tung oil. Hemp oil is food safe and works especially well on lightly used items. CategorySealer/ Surface, Oil_HempManufacturerThe Real Milk PaintMaterial composition*Industrial Hemp Oil 100% *as reported by the manufacturer AVAILABLE SIZINGAvailable in 1 oz, 8 oz, 16 oz, 32 oz, and 1 gallon bottles CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
USDA Certified Biobased Product Label
Other
Last UpdatedAugust 02, 2023 |
Insulation / Fibrous, Cellulosic, Granular | HempLime | IsoHemp | Hempcrete Block | HPD Declare EPD SDS |
Hempcrete BlockAvailable At the Donghia Materials LibraryIsoHemp’s hempcrete blocks are a non-load-bearing masonry product. These natural, healthy blocks are designed to be used for insulating envelopes, partition walls, and counter-partitions. Made only from hemp and lime, hempcrete’s ability to diffuse accumulated heat makes it a fantastic thermal regulator. This product also regulates humidity due to its permeability and is naturally very fire-resistant, making toxic flame retardants obsolete. Not only are IsoHemp hempcrete blocks good for human health, they also have a positive environmental impact. Their manufacture requires very little energy, and they act as a carbon sink, actively absorbing CO2 from the air. CategoryInsulation / Fibrous, Cellulosic, Granular, HempLimeManufacturerIsoHempMaterial composition*Hemp (particle size of 2 to 20 mm) 80%, Hydraulic Lime 11%, Air Lime 9% *as reported by the manufacturer AVAILABLE SIZING30 cm x 60 cm, available in 6, 9, 12, 15, 20, and 30 cm thicknesses CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
USDA Certified Biobased Product Label
Other
Additional DocumentsLast UpdatedMay 09, 2024 |
Insulation / Fibrous, Cellulosic, Granular | HempLime | Just Bio Fiber | Hempcrete Blocks | HPD Declare EPD SDS |
Hempcrete BlocksJust Bio Fiber's hempcrete blocks are a breathable, durable, non-toxic alternative to typical structural wall assemblies. Made primarily from hemp and lime, these blocks are Declare Red List Free as well as naturally fire resistant. Wall systems built with these blocks regulate temperature and humidity while retaining heat. They also do not require a vapor barrier and are resistant to mold, insects, rodents, and mildew. CategoryInsulation / Fibrous, Cellulosic, Granular, HempLimeManufacturerJust Bio FiberMaterial composition*Hemp Hurd 30-50%, Calcium Hydroxide 20-40%, Calcium Carbonate 10-30%, Calcium Magnesium Tetrahydroxide 10-30%, Kaolin 1-10%, Fibrous Glass 1-10%, Silica Sand 1%, Styrene 1% *as reported by the manufacturer AVAILABLE SIZING21.3" x 10.7" x 8" CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
USDA Certified Biobased Product Label
Other
Declare | Red List Free
Last UpdatedMay 09, 2024 |
Insulation / Fibrous, Cellulosic, Granular | HempLime | American Lime Technology | Tradical Hemcrete | HPD Declare EPD SDS |
Tradical HemcreteAvailable At the Donghia Materials LibraryTradical® Hemcrete® is a highly sustainable hemp-lime product line designed to create insulating walls in new structures or to retrofit existing floors, roofs, and walls with thermally efficient, breathable insulating layers. CategoryInsulation / Fibrous, Cellulosic, Granular, HempLimeManufacturerAmerican Lime TechnologyMaterial composition*Hemp, Lime (Calcium Hydroxide), Hydraulic Lime Binder, Calcium Carbonate, Calcium Silicates, Silica, Oxides of Magnesium, Aluminum, and Iron *as reported by the manufacturer CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
USDA Certified Biobased Product Label
Other
Last UpdatedMay 09, 2024 |
Pourables and Aggregates | Binder | Limeworks | Ecologic Trademark HempCrete Binder Platinum | HPD Declare EPD SDS |
Ecologic Trademark HempCrete Binder PlatinumAvailable At the Donghia Materials LibraryEcologic™ HempCrete Binder Platinum is a lime binder formula made in America. It is used to be mixed with hemp hurd for non-structural insulation, widely known as Hempcrete. Limeworks are serious experts through their profound experience in masonry, historic restoration and working with Lime - Naturally Hydrated Lime (NHL). Production with NHL requires less energy, hence the release of CO2 is reduced considerably and NHL reabsorbs most of the CO2 during the curing process. CategoryPourables and Aggregates, BinderManufacturerLimeworksMaterial composition*High Calcium Hydrated Lime (>90%), Proprietary Additives (<10%) *as reported by the manufacturer CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
USDA Certified Biobased Product Label
Other
Last UpdatedAugust 02, 2023 |
Related Resources
Join Our Academic Network
Get Access to our carefully researched and curated academic resources, including model syllabi and webinars. An email from an academic institution or a .edu email address is required. If your academic institution does not use .edu email addresses but you would like to join the network, please contact healthymaterialslab@newschool.edu.
Already have an account? Log in