COMPLETED PROJECT

MRG

Biomaterial research, design, and development

Material Innovation Consultancy Innovation Training

Initiated during the 2024 Tanween Sustainable Fashion Challenge, MRG is a materials research project focused on developing a biodegradable composite from fish scales and desalination salt. Further developed by Ibdå, the project proposes an ecologically responsible alternative to conventional resins, rooted in local marine byproducts and designed to dissolve harmlessly back into the sea.

WHY?

MRG emerged from a drive to rethink sustainable materials within the fashion industry, specifically in the context of Alkhobar, where Ithra is based. In a city shaped by its proximity to the sea, the project explores how marine byproducts—often treated as waste—can be transformed into meaningful, locally grounded design materials.

WHAT?

MRG (مرج) is a biodegradable composite material made from fish scales and desalination salt. Designed to dissolve back into seawater, it serves as a non-toxic, locally sourced alternative for use in fashion and accessory prototyping.

HOW?

First developed during the 2024 Tanween Challenge, the concept was selected for further prototyping. Ibdå led an extended R&D phase involving over 90 material trials to refine the composite’s formulation and performance, combining empirical testing with iterative, craft-informed experimentation.

WHERE?

The project was initiated at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) in Alkhobar, Saudi Arabia, as part of the Tanween Sustainable Fashion Challenge. Advanced prototyping and material development were later carried out at Ibdå’s materials lab in the UAE.

WHEN?

Conceived in July 2024 during the Tanween Sustainable Fashion Challenge, MRG underwent further development over the following months. It was showcased at the Tanween Conference in October and November 2024, and later presented at the Fashion Prosperity Conference in February 2025.

WITH?

Developed through a cross-sector collaboration: Ithra and its Idea Lab hosted the challenge; Vanina served as knowledge partner; Ibdå led post-challenge R&D as production partner. All Tanween 2024 Challenges were curated by faculty from the Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI).

CREDITS

Client: King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra), Ithra Idea Lab

Research Direction and Oversight: Joanne Hayek and Dr. Raffi Tchakerian | Ibdå co-founders

Material R&D and Prototyping: Leen Ghosheh and Nour Alhammawi | Ibdå Design Associates

MRG Concept: Ebaa Altaweel, Ghayda Alnasser, and Rawan Alsalem | Tanween Fashion Challenge Winners

Challenges Curation: Joanne Hayek and Mirko Daneluzzo | DIDI faculty

Knowledge Partner: Vanina | Vanina.me

Program Development and Challenge Coordination: Fatimah AlSalhi (Program Leader), Ruba Mohammed (Challenge Leader), Maha Alghamdi (Challenge Development and Senior Mentor), Hussain Alsadah (Challenge Development), Shahd Wazani (Program Development) | Ithra Team