Disgusting materials? Experimental research design on the social desirability of primordial and decomposed materials

The paper focuses on the sustainability of circular materials and processes as part of the transition towards sustainable practices, investigating public acceptance and perception of excrement-based and decomposed materials through a pilot experimental survey. Innovative materials and processes utilizing alternative resources, including animal by-products and natural biological systems, highlight their potential in reducing waste production and environmental impact. However, their widespread adoption faces cultural, technical, and aesthetic challenges. Through a pilot survey, research hypotheses have been tested with the aim to evaluate and establish (or reveal) the causal link between public support to such materials and aesthetic factors of bio-based and bio-manufactured materials. The results suggest that there is still limited research support for a comprehensive understanding of circular materials, and further education initiatives and involvement of consumers in research and development processes is needed to increase acceptance and adoption of these extra-ordinary resources.