Hanex UK has announced the launch of MTRL Library, created to support architects, designers, and makers in discovering and specifying innovative material solutions. MTRL Library will officially launch at the Surface Design Show, bringing together a growing portfolio of material partners under a single, dedicated platform. 

The development of MTRL Library stems from Hanex UK’s 2024 partnership with SMILE Plastics, now SMILE Materials, where the two companies collaborated to develop a recycled solid surface material. Following strong interest from the design community, Hanex UK began supplying SMILE Materials sheets to its fabrication network. 

This collaboration proved to be a catalyst for broader material exploration. As demand grew and feedback highlighted the need for clearer material comparison and specification support, Hanex UK expanded beyond solid surface into additional material categories. The result was the creation of MTRL Library — a standalone platform designed to represent a diverse range of materials without diluting the core focus of the Hanex brand. 

“MTRL Library allows us to properly support the breadth of materials we now work with,” says Hanex UK. “It gives designers and specifiers a clear, structured way to discover, understand, and specify materials across multiple categories, all in one place and makers and fabrications one place to find and buy different types of materials.” 

At launch, MTRL Library will feature SMILE Materials core collection of SMILE Plastics, alongside new partnerships with Woodio, Organoid, Kava Surfaces and Ottan, with further collaborations planned. 

MTRL Library will also become the home of the new Recycled Solid Surface, part of the SMILE Minerals range. Visitors to the Surface Design Show will be able to view a sneak preview of the material ahead of its official launch in Q3 2026. 

By separating its expanding material portfolio into a dedicated platform, Hanex UK aims to create a clearer route for material discovery and specification, while continuing to support fabricators, designers, and architects through its established solid surface expertise. 

Brands Mtrl Library will be showcasing: 

• SMILE Materials - SMILE Plastics Core collection there will be a curated selection of Made-to-Order panels. You’ll also get a first look at SMILE Minerals — the recycled solid surface material developed in collaboration with SMILE and Hanex Solid Surfaces, set to launch later this year. 

• Woodio – wood chippings from the Finnish foresting industry combined with bio resin to create natural looking wooden worktops that offer 100% waterproof properties  

• Organoid – creates natural materials made from real plants and renewable fibres, including wool and moss. 

• Ottan – creates durable bio-composite sheet materials by up-cycling food and agricultural waste into high-performance surfaces. 

• KAVA Surfaces – develops eco-friendly, plastic-free sheet materials made from recycled coffee grounds and organic waste, offering a fully circular option for design projects. 

• Suberra Cork – delivers ultra-high-density cork sheet materials made from 100% post-industrial recycled cork grain, providing a sustainable and resilient surface option. 

• Sustainable Ply – produces strong, lightweight sheet materials made in the UK by up-cycling waste cardboard into a circular alternative to traditional plywood and MDF. 

• And of course Hanex Solid Surfaces – featuring new colours including Matcha, Urban Shard, L-Cubic, Sand Concrete and Nordic Frost.