The black we wear: Why nature selected 5,6‐dihydroxyindole‐2‐carboxylic acid (DHICA) to synthesize (photo)protective eumelanin pigments is an enigma. Synthetic DHICA eumelanin has now been shown to be a highly efficient free‐radical scavenger in the solid state, which is due to a conformationally interrupted π‐electron network associated with atypical optical, paramagnetic, and aggregation properties.

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The natural fiber (NF) reinforced composites, so called eco-composites, are subject of many scientific and research projects, as well as many commercial programs. The growing global environmental and social concern, high rate of depletion of petroleum resources, and new environmental regulations have forced the search for new composites and green materials, compatible with the environment. The aim of this article is to present a brief review of the most suitable and commonly used biodegradable polymer matrices and NF reinforcements in eco-composites, as well as some of the already produced and commercialized NF eco-composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 28:98 -107, 2007.