Industry · 20 examples
20 nature-inspired innovations in manufacturing, each traced from the organism to the design principle behind it.
Mycelium (fungal networks, various Basidiomycete species)
Ecovative Design engineered mycelium-based packaging materials that are completely compostable and biodegradable. Mycelium (fungal root networks) grows as a natural binder, creating foam-like structures that replace plastic packaging.
Lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica)
The PAX Water Mixer mimics the golden ratio spiral flow of a calla lily to circulate 10 million gallons of water with the energy footprint of just three 100-watt light bulbs.
Tree fiber growth patterns
Tree fibre growth patterns inspire fibre-steered timber technology that achieves 90% weight reduction versus concrete.
Honeybee (Apis mellifera)
Interface designed modular carpet tiles inspired by the random, distributed positioning of honeybees in a hive. The random pattern prevents visible seams and wear patterns while maintaining aesthetic appeal and durability.
Algal cell walls and biopolymers
Algae's structural biopolymers inspire foam materials for fully biodegradable, multifunctional footwear, replacing petroleum-based polymers.
Spider (Araneae order), specifically silk-producing spiders
AMSilk (Germany) produces bioengineered spider silk proteins for cosmetics. Synthetic spider silk creates luxurious, high-performance cosmetics with superior properties and sustainability.
Sycamore trees (Acer species) seed pods
Ceiling fan blade design inspired by sycamore seed pod aerodynamics for improved air circulation efficiency.
Common kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)
Engineer Eiji Nakatsu re-designed the nose of Japan's Shinkansen 500 series bullet train based on the kingfisher's beak — eliminating the sonic boom when exiting tunnels, reducing energy use by 15%, and increasing speed by 10%.
Biological cycles (ecosystems)
Applying circular economy principles from natural ecosystems to textile production and upholstery design.
Forest floor ecosystem and animal camouflage patterns
Interface developed TacTiles modular carpet inspired by forest floor camouflage and animal pattern disruption. The non-directional design with organic, break-up patterns creates visual continuity regardless of installation direction.
A Cleaning Brush Inspired by Cats' Tongues Cats are vigorous self-groomers, and researchers at
Snake (Serpentes, Scale Surface)
Snake scales create directional friction. Applied to footwear.
Songololo millipede
Modular furniture design by Haldane Martin inspired by the songololo millipede's segmented body structure for adaptable, expandable furniture systems.
Sharks (various species with dermal denticles)
High-performance swimsuit featuring sharkskin-inspired surface texture to reduce drag and improve swimming speed.
Tidal stream dynamics and water flow
Hemp fiber processing inspired by natural tidal stream patterns for more efficient material separation and processing.
Yellow boxfish (Ostracion cubicus)
Despite its square shape, the boxfish is one of the most hydrodynamically efficient swimmers in the ocean. Mercedes-Benz engineers discovered it has a drag coefficient of just 0.06 — and designed a concept car based entirely on its body plan that achieves unprecedented aerodynamic efficiency.
Pangolin (Manis sp.)
Overlapping keratinous scales provide armour-like protection with full flexibility.
Plant cell structures
A 3D printed chair by Lilian van Daal designed using plant cell structures for strength, comfort, and material efficiency.
Plant cell structures
A 3D printed soft seating design by Lilian Van Daal that mimics the cellular structure of plants for ergonomic comfort and material efficiency.
Tessellations: Efficient Tiling Without Wasting Space Tessellation in nature involves repeating geometric patterns that fit together without gaps, optimizing strength, efficiency, and space usage. Honeycomb structures in beehives use hexagonal tessellation to store honey with minimal wax.
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