Bonyeon: A Biodegradable Material Revolutionizing Sustainable Design

Creating a Sustainable Future with Jooen Lee's Innovative Design

Jooen Lee's Bonyeon is a game-changer in the world of sustainable design. Consisting only of discarded byproducts and microbial binders, this simple material is not only easy for individuals to produce, but also closely imitates the color and texture of nature and is rich in the natural aroma of byproducts. Bonyeon is light and durable, and the minerals and plant substances it contains promote air quality and regulate humidity, making it suitable for a wide range of living products, lighting, or wall tiles. What sets Bonyeon apart is its ability to decompose 100% in a common natural environment, leaving no toxic substances behind.

The realization of Bonyeon involves a unique and innovative production process. Thin layers of adhesives consisting of proteins and microorganisms are layered with discarded byproducts such as rice bran, bark, and seaweed. This delicate mixture embodies a fragrance and color that does not lose its natural properties, and a unique surface texture is added to complete the vitality of nature. The strength and elasticity of Bonyeon can be easily controlled by natural adhesives, allowing for easy modeling and customization.

Bonyeon comes in three variants: rice bran and sawdust, seaweed and mugwort, and rice bran and bark. As a prototype, lights and trays have been developed, showcasing the versatility of this biodegradable material. The presented lighting objects have dimensions of W190 mm x D190 mm x H220 mm and W190mm x D190mm x H125mm, while the presented tray objects measure W60 mm x D160 mm x H60 mm, W93 mm x D106 mm x H50 mm, and W70 mm x D110 mm x H26 mm.

Interacting with Bonyeon is a unique experience. This biodegradable material provides stability and vitality to users with its dynamic texture and comfortable scent. Users can easily dispose of Bonyeon by throwing it onto home yards, sea, or soil, just like a banana peel. During the decomposition process, no harmful substances remain, ensuring a safe and eco-friendly disposal. Additionally, Bonyeon's production from discarded byproducts creates additional income for farming and fishing villages, revitalizing the rural economy and alleviating local income inequality.

The Bonyeon project is an ongoing endeavor by Jooen Lee. The prototype was designed in 2019 and is based in regions of Korea, including Geochang, Wando, and Nonsan. Jooen Lee continues to work on manufacturing solutions to enhance the sustainability of materials and cater to a wide range of customers. With further improvements in transportation, Bonyeon is expected to be completely CO2 neutral by 2022. Jooen Lee also plans to establish rural hub cooperatives to increase production while continuing to supply the domestic market.

Bonyeon is the result of years of research and experimentation, aiming to utilize wasted resources with minimal capital. By combining innovative structural technologies with the physical properties of byproducts, Jooen Lee overcame creative, technical, and research challenges to create a harmonious and sustainable design. Bonyeon artistically creates a meaningful symbiosis between users and the local community, promoting a greener and more eco-conscious lifestyle.

Bonyeon has received recognition for its outstanding design. In 2021, it was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Sustainable Products, Projects, and Green Design category. This prestigious award is given to well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. Bonyeon's integration of industry best practices, competent technical characteristics, and contribution to a better world have earned it this esteemed accolade.