Tree Bark Cloth
The skin of the tree can be used as an alternative to woven textiles. It has a texture that is crunchy - and feels like a mix between paper, leather and linen. It can be used to make bags, shoes, hats, blinds, wall coverings, furniture and lighting. Used for trim in car interiors, and potentially fascia on electronic products.
Harvesting
Sourced from Honduras and Uganda. Bark fibers are harvested by stripping the inner bark of the tree. Only under the right conditions of rain, sun and timing can debarking occur. It is softened by boiling and beating it with wood mallets to stretch it and smooth the surface.
Forming Methods
The methods of cutting, fabrication and lamination are varied and can be produced in the same way as other textiles. Traditionally produced by members of the Miskito and Tahwaka people who make day long trips by canoe to source the material.
Bark Cloth® is available in a variety of thicknesses but not available for industrial applications.
Bark Cloth being made in Rio Patuca at the border region of Honduras and Nicaragua.
Traditionally made Bark Cloth from Uganda.
Sustainability – It take about a year for the tree to replenish its bark. 100% organic and sustainable. Manufactured without any chemicals or agents in low-energy, partly CO2-emission-free-processes. No binders, dyes or other additives. Each square meter of Bark Cloth requires less that one liter of water.
Physical Properties – Versatile, tear resistant, water resistant, translucent, heat resistant up to 200 C Each piece is handcrafted and each harvest has a unique texture. Color ranges from orange and ocher, terracotta and fawn brown to a deep reddish brown. From 0.3 to 1.8 mm thick.
Bamboo and Bark Cloth bicycle frame
Bark Cloth - soft non-woven cloth material
BarkTex(R)
Resources
https://barktex.com/en/products/bark-cloth/tuno
Lefteri, C. (2014). Materials for design. Laurence King.
https://barktex.com/en/products/bark-cloth/tradition