Addressing today’s complex challenges, such as environmental sustainability, demands innovative educational frameworks that transcend disciplinary boundaries. This study investigates the integration of transdisciplinary collaboration into industrial design education, emphasizing the development of bio-based materials from industrial waste.

A transdisciplinary team comprising experts in industrial design, chemical engineering, wood industry engineering, and sociology co-developed solutions to transform waste into sustainable construction material. Using advanced material characterization methods like scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDX) and user-perception studies, the team evaluated both the physical properties and the emotional resonance of the new materials. The approach emphasized co-design, iterative testing, and participatory engagement.

Key findings highlight the potential to upcycle melamine paper waste into durable, aesthetically appealing material suitable for interior and exterior applications. Furthermore, the study showcases the value of incorporating user-centered evaluations to ensure that new materials meet functional, aesthetic, and emotional needs. This pedagogical approach equips industrial design students with the skills to navigate wicked problems through transdisciplinary collaboration, enhancing their capacity to create impactful, sustainable design solutions.

This research contributes to academia and industry by presenting a replicable framework that bridges disciplines, integrates circular economy principles, and fosters sustainability-focused innovation.

Keywords: Biologically-based materials, circular economy, education, sustainability, transdisciplinary design, waste.