The idea behind the Embark collection is to create a new value for pine bark by studying its material properties and through the development of sustainable and innovative accessory designs. The overarching aim is to reconcile the material life-span with the use-phase of objects and artifacts.

Much inspiration is drawn from the properties of the material itself, as well as from traditional manufacturing techniques such as Japanese joinery. The focus lies on the unique heterogeneous structure of the bark. As a result, every detail of the bags serves a function, and no elements are purely decorative.

As a waste product of the wood industry, large quantities of pine bark are burned, causing high CO2 emissions. Considering the current ecological crisis and growing demand for renewable materials, pine bark could become an important resource for the future. Flexible pine bark resembles leather and has a pleasing scent. 

The research has been made possible by the Max-Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces.