NOStraw – Exploiting agricultural waste from Parco Sud Milano for social redevelopment within Nosedo Off Campus

Aligning to the 2030 Agenda and particularly focusing on objectives 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), the NOStraw project wills to bridge the fields of materials development, design, and social support within a local micro-economy. This project exploited agricultural waste from the Parco Agricolo Sud Milano to develop a biocomposite material. Specifically, disused wheat straw was used to create a particleboard-like material (NewStraw), through the combination of pulverized straw, corn starch, citric acid, and glycerol. NewStraw, processed using traditional woodworking techniques, was integrated into local social support associations within the Corvetto district. This initiative aimed to provide job and learning opportunities, particularly for vulnerable groups. The material was applied to produce an educational toy designed for primary school children, to engage them in urban renewal projects and improving community involvement. This approach did not only promote biocomposites production and use; it also supported social inclusion and educational development within the local community.