MaterialSource sheds light on the materials decision-making trail of everyone who creates, builds, designs, or manufactures on this small planet. It is the ultimate gateway to an extensive materials platform and community where materials can be viewed, compared, rated, added and discussed. By consumers, manufacturers and scientists. Our purpose is clear: we want to get as many people as possible to commit to creating a sustainable future for Mother Earth.
It's about..
That is why we have equipped our platform with a highly powerful search engine with adjustable filters. These allow for easy search and comparative actions in an ever-increasing number of materials. Suggestions are made, to tickle creativity. And users can add their own materials, share experiences, give feedback and provide scores. The end goal is to let users make a conscious decision and help others do the same.
The materials on our platform are accessible in four different ways:
- based on the products that are made of the material,
- based on an emotion the user associates with the material,
- based on actual cases in which the material is used,
- based on profiles of persons, groups and companies.
The reason
Millions of people the world over want to contribute to building a sustainable future. We owe it to them to provide the right building blocks to achieve this. Whether they are erecting houses or bridges, manufacturing hi-tech electronics or low-tech consumables, or even if they are preparing new food products.
There was, until now, no comprehensive overview of the rapidly evolving knowledge on products and materials. No wonder people hesitate, or postpone their decision, instead of acting right away.
With MaterialSource, now everyone has fast and easy access to a multilevel communication platform and a globally shared materials library to guide them in their actions towards sustainable growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MaterialSource?
MaterialSource is a universal materials platform for consumers, scientists and manufacturers, containing a wide range of materials. In the vibrant MaterialSource community, peers from around the world can join to offer their points of view on different materials and to inspire one another.
Why is English the official language at MaterialSource?
Because MaterialSource is all about communication and getting people involved. English is spoken in more than 130 countries worldwide, representing around 1.8 billion people.
Why is there a MaterialSource universe?
Everything around us - from the people on this planet, over the materials they use to the whole universe - is connected to the same source. With respect for this source we created the MaterialSource universe. It contains a wide array of elements - emotions, cases, profiles and materials – for you to explore.
How do I go about exploring the MaterialSource universe?
The MaterialSource universe is filled with different types of elements which you can recognize by their icons. To find out more on a certain element, move your cursor over one to catch it. Now you can see its name and view an image. Click on that image to see which other elements in MaterialSource are related to it. Click the image again to find out more on that specific element.
I want to search the MaterialSource universe more narrowly, how do I do that?
Use the icons at the bottom of your screen to narrow your search. Select the icons on the left - Materials, Cases, Profiles and Emotions - to include the respective element types in your view of the MaterialSource universe. Use the Filter icon on the right to filter your search by price, color, most used tags, ratings, life cycle, CO2 and/or NIBE scores.
Is MaterialSource free?
MaterialSource is completely free for consumers and scientists because their opinion is a crucial part of the holistic approach to our business plan. Consumers and scientists can upload as many cases as they like to the platform. Scientists can also upload scientific data.
Product or material manufacturers can also benefit from the many functionalities of the MaterialSource platform for free. However, if they want to upload products or materials to the platform, we ask them to become a paid member. We do this because we believe that manufacturers have to take responsibility for the impact their products have on our planet. In line with our highly ethical business plan, we have kept the prices of the different types of paid accounts at reasonable levels.
How do I sign up?
That's easy. Just go to the Sign Up section. Enter your email address and choose a password. After that, you can begin making your user profile.
To whom will my user profile and content be available?
You decide who gets to view the information in your profile by adjusting the visibility settings. The same goes for the content you upload to the MaterialSource platform.
I already signed up, but I forgot my password. What now?
No worries, just click on "Forgot Password" in the top right corner of your screen, below the sign in field. We will then send you a new password.
I am a manufacturer, what are the benefits to me of a paid account?
MaterialSource is the ultimate platform to showcase your products or materials to the world. As a products or materials manufacturer you can buy a package of 50 credits. These allow you to upload a certain number of products or materials to the MaterialSource platform for the period of one year. You can upload and edit this information swiftly and 24/7.
As a paying member, MaterialSource offers you unbiased feedback on your products or materials from consumers and scientists. You have direct access to the buzz on your company or products. This allows you to engage in constructive dialogue, something your customers will surely appreciate.
What are the rules for using MaterialSource?
MaterialSource asks its users to be respectful to yourself and to one another. This implies that the information you provide is based on true facts. MaterialSource is a community regulated by its members. So be honest and don't make empty claims you can't back up. Having no information on certain aspects of a product, material or case, won't harm anyone.
How can I help?
You can help by spreading the word on MaterialSource to your business partners, friends and family and inviting them to pay a visit via e-mail, Twitter or Facebook. Or you can get them involved by sharing one or more elements (materials, profiles, cases,...) from the MaterialSource universe. You can also donate or become a Friend of MaterialSource.
Why can't I upload a material or case?
Only manufacturers with a paid membership can upload materials to the MaterialSource platform. As a manufacturer, you can only upload materials or products. Cases can only be uploaded by consumers or scientists.
I have concerns about something I've seen on the site. What can I do?
MaterialSource aims to keep its platform a pleasant and inspiring place for everybody. If you encounter things that offend you or otherwise concern you, you can report this via the Report buttons. Or you can send an email to info@materialsource.com.
Which web browsers and flash player version support MaterialSource?
Internet Explorer 7 or 8, Firefox 3 and higher, Safari 4, and Chrome 4 and Flash Player 10.00.32 or higher.