Skip to main content


Loading
Zuoxin ZHOU

Zuoxin ZHOU

Department Director, FRESHAPE SA
Switzerland

Biography:

Dr. Zhou joined Freshape SA in 2021 and is now the director of its Materials Division and Product Innovation Center. His team began experimenting with cutting-edge wood fibers in late 2021, successfully industrializing the innovation in 2024. Before transitioning to industry, Dr. Zhou spent a decade conducting research at UK universities. He holds a PhD in Biomaterials and has a strong background in materials science. An accomplished researcher, he has published over 20 papers in leading academic journals and filed more than 20 international patents.

About Freshape:

Freshape harnesses nature-inspired technologies and off-grid solutions to empower sustainable living for everyone. Our mission is to develop and provide sustainable solutions for a greener future. Our Materials Division is revolutionizing bio-based composites with HiWood, the world’s first natural wood fiber paper reinforcement. 100% bio-based, biodegradable, and recyclable, HiWood combines sustainability with high performance. Naturally lightweight yet exceptionally strong, it provides an innovative alternative to traditional structural materials. Engineered as thin paper sheets or prepreg paper, HiWood-reinforced composites achieve a Young’s modulus exceeding 40 GPa and a flexural strength of approximately 450 MPa, while maintaining a density of around 1.3 g/cm³. This exceptional mechanical performance positions HiWood as a viable alternative to conventional structural materials like steel and aluminum. From automotive and aerospace to sporting goods and furniture, HiWood is paving the way for a new era of sustainable, high-performance materials.

 

Sessions