Abstract
This study examines how designers can help business and science become mutually responsive to each other for the acceptability, sustainability and societal desirability of novel bio-materials used in additive manufacturing and contributing to the circular economy. The paper presents the concept of responsible research & innovation (RRI) which aims for mutual responsiveness between scientists and other stakeholders about the future impacts of innovation. Such a dialogue presents challenges when the science is still uncertain and values conflict, but a scientific-designer approach can support RRI through the creation of physical artefacts. This creates a dialogue with the potential to integrate or knot together differing values and understandings. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.