The NMA is the first UK body to represent the breadth of natural materials.
Our aim is to develop knowledge exchange between materials scientists, product designers and those in education and industry on natural materials including wood, stone, clay, natural rubber, wool, leather, hemp, shell and biomimicry.
The NMA is the first UK body to represent the breadth of natural materials.
Our aim is to develop knowledge exchange between materials scientists, product designers and those in education and industry on natural materials including wood, stone, clay, natural rubber, wool, leather, hemp, shell and biomimicry.
The NMA is the first UK body to represent the breadth of natural materials.
Our aim is to develop knowledge exchange between materials scientists, product designers and those in education and industry on natural materials including wood, stone, clay, natural rubber, wool, leather, hemp, shell and biomimicry.
Materials
To represent all natural materials
Knowledge exchange
To become the recognised focal point for knowledge exchange between researchers, product designers and educators
To form a bridge to the product design community
To provide resources, support and education for people who wish to understand how they can use natural materials within their industries for the benefit of manufacturing and society
Innovation
To combine the innate properties of natural materials with modern technological processing to create new and innovative products
Education
To promote education across society and industry to change perceptions and develop awareness of natural materials
To reach into schools, colleges and universities at all levels and establish a new knowledge base to encourage our future designers, researchers, industry leaders and societies to understand the huge opportunities that natural materials present on a global level
Networking
To enable greater interaction and networking between individual natural materials communities
To support growth in networking links across the global membership of the Institute
NMA Design Competition
Natural Materials & the Circular Economy
The Winner
£500 Cash
The unique
Natural Materials Association Award
And a signed copy of
Designing with Natural Materials
worth £130
First runner up
£250 Cash
And a signed copy of
Designing with Natural Materials
Second runner up
£150 Cash
And a signed copy of
Designing with Natural Materials
Highly commendable 4th and 5th places
Each, a signed copy of
Designing with Natural Materials
Natural Materials Association Competition 2026
Theme: Design a poster showcasing a natural material used in an innovative way
First Place
The winning poster will receive the NMA Design Competition Award
Top Five
Each of the top five entries will receive the NMA Certificate of Recognition
Natural Materials Association Competition 2026
Theme: Design a poster showcasing a natural material used in an innovative way
The NMA Design Competition 2026 invites entries that present the creative use of natural materials to develop impactful, forward-thinking products. This award will be presented to the poster that best demonstrates innovation, showcasing the potential of natural materials to shape the future of design and sustainability.
Who Can Enter?
- Students
- Start-ups
- SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises)
- Industry Professionals
- Individuals
Entry Requirements
- Poster Size: A0 (portrait orientation)
- Submission Format: Electronic format only
Each entry must showcase products that demonstrate creativity and innovation in the use of natural materials.
Judging Criteria
Entries will be judged based on:
- Poster Size: A0 (portrait orientation)
- Submission Format: Electronic format only
How to Submit
- Register your interest and receive competition updates by emailing: competition@natmatassoc.org
- By Midnight, 30 June 2026, submit the following:
- Contact Information: Name, address, phone number, and email
- Image of your Poster: Please ensure the image is clear and in an electronic format
- Submission Details:
- All submissions must be sent via email to competition@natmatassoc.org with the subject title: NMA Competition [NAME OF PARTICIPANT].
Note: There is no registration fee
Final Selection and Event
- Finalists: Posters selected for the final round will be invited to an in-person event on 9 September 2026 at the University of Westminster in central London.
- During this event, finalists will have the opportunity to present brief pitches showcasing their innovation.
- Winner Selection: The final winner will be selected by a professional jury from the NMA. The judges’ decision is final, and there will be no appeal process.
Final Selection and Event
- First Place: The winning poster will receive the NMA Design Competition Award.
- Top Five: The top five entries will each receive a certificate of recognition.
Contact
-
For more information or queries, please contact the NMA Design Competition leads at:
competition@natmatassoc.org