We are pleased to introduce Pinel, our first beta-version of a flexible, natural based leather like material that is 100% biodegradable. Working with a natural and compostable binder and additatives, this biotechnical composite is both naturally degradable and re-castable. This means a fully circular material.

The material research is supported by Statens Kunstfond, Food & Bio Cluster, Otto Bruuns Fond & Nordea Iværksætterfond.

Pine tree needles are until now an unused natural source of fibre, with potential qualities in availability, technical properties and aesthetical narrative. We collect our branches from discarded trees of the Danish christmas tree farmers, as up to 35% of the farmed trees do not make it to the market. This is around 4 million trees - every year! 

The materials can be worked with like leather and can be casted in costum defined sizes and thicknesses. Furthermore, it can be sanded, polished and treated like wood. This kind of bio material fusions two traditional handcrafting fields and opens up a completely new category within textiles and upholstery.

Behind the materials lies a self-designed production process regarding treatment of raw needles, material making, casting as well as drying process for the final leather pieces.

The studio is currently in a material development with Danish Technological Institute, Danish Christmas Tree Association and Food & Bio Cluster, to improve the material composition and to design a way to put the material into production. This development runs throughout 2022, with the aim of being ready for patent applications at the end of the year.