Cloth made from trees – this a fabulous, sensuous material that is entirely natural. From a distance, it has many of the visual qualities of suede. Closer up, it’s far more interesting….    Barkcloth is made from the bark of the Mutuba tree or Common Wild Fig (Ficus natalensis). Bark is stripped from the tree, soaked, then labouriously pummelled into a fabric. This is a skilled process, done entirely by hand, so each piece of cloth is totally individual.

Barkcloth production is part of a recurring cycle. The trees are not harmed and the bark will grow back and be ready to harvest in around a year. The whole production process is certified by the EU as fully organic.   Best of all, perhaps, is that this material is helping to revitalise a structurally weak part of Uganda, bringing economic and environmental benefits to a region that used to depend mainly on coffee production. This traditional way of making cloth saw a sharp decline in the 20th century, suffering from political discouragement and competition from cotton. This decline is now being reversed as the benefits of growing the Mutuba tree are becoming increasingly recognised. Recently, Barkcloth production was classified by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

A German company, Barkcloth Europe, supplies the cloth. They buy directly from around 700 farmers and pay at least 30% more for the cloth than the current market price and up to 300% more for the above-average qualities. The company has also been responsible for helping to improve the sustainability of barkcloth production, not only through management of the crop itself, but also through initiatives such as the introduction of solar cookers. In addition, they are looking to widen the applications for the material by further dyeing and finishing processes.

Our first product using the fabulous material is a range of simple lampshades designed to show off its natural texture. We are currently working on other lighting products, as well as looking at its potential in furniture making.