Biomimetics and sustainability: rethinking nature-inspired design

Biomimetics is often celebrated as a pathway to sustainability, yet the mere imitation of nature does not inherently lead to environmentally responsible outcomes. As authors of the article "Engineered Materials: Bioinspired 'Good Enough' versus Maximised Performance" (Adv. Funct. Mater. 2023), we challenge the widespread assumption that biomimetic design inherently leads to sustainable outcomes.

For example, mimicking the strength of nacre or the hydrophobicity of lotus leaves has often resulted in synthetic composites or coatings that are difficult to recycle or require toxic solvents. These practices illustrate that form alone is insufficient; the materials and methods of fabrication matter just as much.

While functionally impressive, this talk will show how bioinspired materials frequently rely on energy-intensive or non-recyclable materials and processes that undermine their ecological value.

By contrasting these approaches with a good enough design philosophy that balances performance with material and process sustainability, we advocate for a shift in focus from maximising performance to optimising environmental impact.

This presentation calls on biomimetic practitioners to adopt holistic evaluation methods, including life cycle analysis, and to prioritise sustainability as a core design criterion. Integrating these assessments early in the design process helps avoid unintended consequences and aligns biomimetic innovation with global sustainability goals and regulatory frameworks.