In this interview, we meet Berta Daina, Elisava Alumni and founder of Agro Biomaterials and Mersi. With an innovative vision, Berta transforms organic waste into sustainable biomaterials and applies her ecological principles to graphic and web design. Discover how these projects came to life and the challenges she has faced on her journey toward a more sustainable future.
Interview with Berta Daina, Founder of Agro Biomaterials and Mersi
25 Sep 2024
What sparked the idea for “Agro Biomaterials,” and what was the biggest challenge in bringing it to life?
Agro Biomaterials originated from my final project at Elisava. I often say that, in a way, it was born out of serendipity, as I developed it during the pandemic. This situation pushed me to find a solution for the food waste generated in my building, aiming to repurpose it rather than simply discarding it. During that time, I dedicated myself to intense research through trial and error, ultimately creating a simple yet effective method for transforming organic waste into biomaterials applicable across various sectors and designs. I was determined to focus on sustainability and food design from the outset, so this was the perfect way to merge both passions.
The primary goal of “Agro Biomaterials” is raising environmental awareness. How do you perceive the impact your workshops and Biomaterials Kit have had on participants, both individuals and businesses?
Since then, I’ve led workshops that teach participants how to create bioplastics from organic waste. Many of these workshops have involved professionals from diverse industries, which has allowed me to refine certain aspects of the bioplastics, like reducing natural drying time. The diversity of sectors—from gastronomy to fashion design, education, and chemistry—and the cultural diversity of participants contribute unique perspectives and insights that enrich the process. We’re now conducting international workshops with groups like architects, engineers, and designers eager to integrate sustainable solutions into their projects.
Additionally, we offer workshops in schools, working with children aged 6 to 16. This setting is where we see the most significant impact in terms of environmental awareness. Teaching concepts like the circular economy or demonstrating the importance of recycling in a hands-on way becomes a powerful tool for educating the next generation. The Biomaterials Kit is also an effective tool for raising awareness on a smaller scale—ideal for schools, companies seeking team-building activities, extracurricular workshops, and families. It’s a fun and educational entry point into the world of biomaterials.
What are the next steps for “Agro Biomaterials”? Are there any new products or initiatives you’re planning to launch?
In this next phase, we’re focusing primarily on school workshops, while maintaining online workshops as an option for professionals. We’re also exploring expansion into the United Arab Emirates.
This market personally fascinates me for several reasons, and it presents a great potential for Agro Biomaterials. Unlike Spain, Dubai, for example, is a bit behind when it comes to sustainability. Many companies there are interested in innovative, sustainable materials for their products, which gives us an excellent opportunity to introduce our biomaterials.
Besides “Agro Biomaterials,” you founded the design studio “Mersi” in 2022. What motivated you to create this studio, and how have you aligned your sustainability values with graphic and web design?
My goal, perhaps unconsciously, has always been to create my studio. As Agro Biomaterials grew, I saw the chance to establish a design studio built on the same values: sustainability, circular economy, authenticity, and good design. For now, it’s a small studio with big ambitions.
Integrating both projects is relatively straightforward since many clients seek products and solutions that require biodegradable materials. We differentiate ourselves by prioritizing sustainability in everything we do, applying common sense and environmental logic—something that can sometimes get lost in developing a graphic project.
The ‘headquarters’ of both projects are in Andorra. How do you see the intersection between design and local culture in your projects? Are there specific cultural elements that inspire you or that you seek to integrate into your work?
The “headquarters” of both projects are in Andorra, primarily out of convenience since I’m from there. However, working in a serene environment close to nature is a tremendous source of inspiration. Part of the values that guide both projects stems from this environment, and we strive to honor it. Additionally, we’re fortunate that, being a small country, we can work on national graphic projects with a certain level of creative freedom—something that wouldn’t always be possible elsewhere, especially given that we’re a relatively new studio.
Looking ahead, both in “Agro Biomaterials” and “Mersi,” what new horizons would you like to explore, and how do you hope your work will contribute to positive change in the design and sustainability industries?
My goal is to internationalize Agro Biomaterials and explore the full potential of these new biomaterials. At the same time, I want to establish a design studio that becomes a reference point for ethical and sustainable design, contributing to positive change in the industry and everyday life. I’m convinced that consistency is key to achieving this. As Mariana Eidler always reminds me, it’s essential to value small actions—they’re the ones that make the most significant differences.