Finnish designers use reeds to create textiles

/ Design /

During Design Week in Helsinki, students from Aalto University presented a new type of textile filler created from broad-leaved cattail seeds.

An innovative material called Fluff Stuff is proposed to be used for making blankets, pillows and clothes, write Dezeen.

According to the development team, Fluff Stuff has a number of advantages over conventional carbon materials. It absorbs 66% less water than down, and is also able to dry twice as fast.

"Typha fibers (gozoz - ed.) are naturally covered with a layer of wax, which makes them very hydrophobic," the inventors explain.

While the designers have developed a number of product prototypes, the project is expected to be commercialized later. Photo: Aalto University, Mikko Raskinen, Anna Berg

The plants are now harvested from reclaimed peatlands in Finland using a special portable device that works on the principle of vacuuming. 

Fluff Stuff can be used to create both clothing and home textiles. Photo: Aalto University, Mikko Raskinen, Anna Berg

"Fluff Stuff is redefining Finnish peatland management and the Finnish textile industry by combining innovative biomaterials with regenerative farming methods," say the designers.

To create the material, we use reeds that grow on re-wetted Finnish peatlands. Photo: Aalto University, Mikko Raskinen, Anna Berg

While the developers' project is at an initial stage, however, the team is planning its large-scale commercialization in the near future.

 

 

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