Pop-up “RETHINK” by Colab.
Rethinking materials
Colab, the first materials library specifically designed in the United Arab Emirates, returns to Construmat in 2025 with a renewed version of its pop-up “RETHINK” of sustainable materials. A space where creativity and technology merge to reveal the latest trends and solutions in more eco-friendly materials.
Promotion valid only until 31.03.25
Exhibition of materials
The full exhibition can only be seen in Construmat: here we show you a selection of the materials that will be on show:
- AeroGraph™, a patented self-assembling graphene nanocomposite.
- PlyPalm, a plywood board material created from reused palm branches and sourced locally in the UAE.
- Alchemy, the first 100% recycled plastic panel produced and sourced locally from construction waste in the UAE.
- Leukeather, an innovative natural textile alternative to exotic leather, made from discarded dry pods.
- Terraboard, a sustainable alternative to traditional wood, made from non-recyclable waste materials.
- Datecrete, the world's first cementitious material based on date seeds, without a trace of resin or concrete.
- Desert Board, the first sustainably engineered wood board made from palm biomass waste.
- ... And more materials that you will only be able to learn about if you visit the show.
Product exhibition
Colab presents for the first time at Construmat 2025 a curated selection of unique objects made with sustainable materials.
- Skateboard made with plastic bottle caps in collaboration with Karl Lagerfeld.
- The world's first recycled glasses made from potato crisp wrappers
- Planet Wave, a sculptural and removable stool or side table made exclusively from eggshells and various nuts.
- Eco-friendly cutlery made from biological waste from date palm mixed with biodegradable polymers.
“Our participation in CONSTRUMAT aims to bridge the gap between materials and their application, hoping to further demonstrate to the community that these materials can and should be specified. In fact, we have witnessed an increase in the number of innovative materials being sold and marketed in our region, demonstrating the strength of these materials and the construction industry’s keenness to work with something different and new. The future certainly looks promising and we have no choice: either we innovate or we risk being left behind.”