Join host Ian Peterman on Conscious Design as he welcomes Gabe Tavas, the innovative mind behind Symmetry Wood. In this episode, Gabe shares the fascinating origin story of his company, which uses bacteria to produce cellulose for creating wood-like products. This journey starts from Gabe’s eye-opening experiences in Ecuador and leads to groundbreaking research in his college dorm room, where he began experimenting with kombucha cultures to produce bacterial cellulose.

Gabe discusses the challenges and triumphs of developing Symmetry Wood, from initial rough samples to winning the prestigious James Dyson Award. The conversation delves into how Symmetry Wood is tackling environmental issues with its sustainable material production, aiming to replace precious tropical hardwoods in various applications, from musical instruments to car interiors. This episode is a deep dive into the intersection of industrial design, sustainability, and innovative material science.

Learn about the potential of bacterial cellulose in replacing traditional hardwoods, the importance of sustainability in material design, and how Symmetry Wood is shaping the future of eco-friendly product development. For anyone interested in sustainable design, environmental entrepreneurship, and cutting-edge material science, this episode provides a unique perspective and inspiring insights.

Notable Moments:

• 00:40 – Gabe Tavas Shares His Origin Story and Environmental Inspiration

• 02:40 – Discovery of Bacterial Cellulose for Sustainable Materials

• 09:05 – Replacing Precious Woods: Symmetry Wood’s Mission

• 11:25 – Impact of Illegal Logging and Environmental Damage

• 12:29 – Density and Future Possibilities of Bacterial Cellulose

• 18:27 – Exploring Applications of Pyrrhus Material

• 22:44 – Innovations in Algae Waste Composite Boards

• 23:31 – Bacterial Cellulose vs. Mycelium Packaging: A Comparison

• 24:41 – Future Developments in Cellulose Technology

About Gabe Tavas:

Gabe Tavas is a biodesigner, explorer, and social entrepreneur from Chicago whose purpose in life is to empower and guide other sustainability-minded makers to protect their cultural and natural resources. He serves as the CEO of Symmetry Wood, a startup that creates wood from bacteria without cutting down trees to combat deforestation, and has a broad focus on wood conservation, food biodiversity, and river restoration.

Learn more about Gabe Tavas and Symmetry Wood here:

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabetavas/

• https://www.linkedin.com/company/symmetry-wood/

• https://symmetrywood.com/

Download chapter 1 free: https://www.petermanfirm.com/conscious-design-chapter-1-free-download/

Want to be a guest? Visit: https://bit.ly/3BetCkf

Want to work with us? Connect with Peterman Firm:

Find us online:

YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/3sG7VEi

Blog: https://bit.ly/3kltV6s

Conscious Design Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09KNMN9BT

Join our Newsletter: https://bit.ly/2U8IlMS

Hosted by: Ian Peterman

Creative Director: Sara Clark

Social Media: Jacqueline Sagun

Visit our website:

We created this content so creative entrepreneurs like you can integrate social and environmental responsibility into your brand’s DNA through Conscious Design. Ian Peterman, a leading expert in Conscious Design, hosts the Conscious Design podcast and is the co-author of the book Conscious Design.

If you enjoy our content, please support us by subscribing and sharing our episodes!

Most Recent Episodes

September 19, 2024

From PVC Waste to Building Tiles with Pretty Plastic

Join host Ian Peterman in this inspiring episode of Conscious Design as he interviews Leva Konaté, an account executive at Pretty Plastic. Konaté shares the remarkable journey of Pretty Plastic,...

Listen · 34:58

September 12, 2024

The Future of Sustainable Packaging: Woodly’s Wood-based Plastic

In this episode of the Conscious Design Podcast, host Ian Peterman talks with Christoph Schiller, VP of Sales and Marketing at Woodly, to explore the future of sustainable packaging. Discover how...

Listen · 31:10

September 5, 2024

Avoid These Common Eco-Friendly Branding Mistakes

In this insightful episode of the Conscious Design Podcast, host Ian Peterman welcomes Willow Hill, co-founder and Chief Creative Officer of Scout Lab, to discuss how to avoid common mistakes in...

Listen · 53:37

Load More Episodes

Ian Peterman CEO

Ian Peterman is leading the way for conscious design thinking through his book, podcast, and public appearances. His methods for prioritizing restorative, sustainable, and inclusive values to build a legacy of positive impact for his client’s brands have offered an exciting and rewarding approach to the future of good business. The Peterman Design Firm specializes in developing and commercializing products and offers branding and marketing for the missions its clients create. Ian also builds teams and catalyzes growth via fractional COO and CMO services. Ian is passionate about green tech, space exploration, and creating meaningful connections through human-centered planet friendly brands. When he’s not teaching and implementing conscious design he enjoys family, food, and watching the night sky. To learn more about Ian and Conscious Design you can check out @Petermanfirm for the latest podcasts, projects, and events, or find the book on Amazon.