The thesis deals with materials for design and their potential in the circular transition, focusing on innovative candidates formulated with special attention to sustainability. The circularity of traditional materials and the main trends of eco-conceived material proposals are presented. Then the relevant parameters for sustainability in the use of materials are identified and analyzed in existing material libraries. Subsequently, a database of case studies is structured, making it accessible through an online platform and provided with a sustainability checklist. Finally – starting from the sample of cases collected – the panorama of these innovative materials is mapped on the basis of the identified eco-parameters.