Yesterday I visited the Surface Design Show held yearly at Islington Business Design Centre.
Thursday ( 5th Feb) is the last day and it’s well worth a trip if you can make it (tickets are free!)
The Royal College of Art Green Grad showcase had some interesting experimental materials (including ceramics that were glazed using cigarette butts 
and cutlery made with waste denim)
Lots of cool inspiration including what can be done with an industrial size UV Texture printer (eg: like our Eufy machine but on steroids. Lots of steriods)
I’ll be putting some ideas to the test soon.
Some highlights;
Tiles
More tiles
Egg, pistachio and hazelnut shells turned into sheets & panels for construction
Paper thin wood veneer samples
Tiles made from compressed recycled Tetrapak cartons
I was given quite a lot of samples and offered a lot more if I return on the final day (sadly I can’t make it but, if anyone is attending and would like some large-ish, aprx A4, eco resin panels that look like tree bark or corroded metal let me know and I’ll pass on the details)
Many suppliers prefer to hand out their demo items rather than transport them at the end of trade shows so if you’re looking for materials for creative projects it’s a good chance to pick some up.