Plant Waste Becomes Lighting and Decorative Objects

Spanish company Feltwood has introduced GIRARA, an interiors collection made from fruit and vegetable waste from the agri-food industry. Developed with ecodesign marketplace Ekohunters, the collection explores how mouldable plant fibres can become lighting and decorative objects without added adhesives or resins.

The initial range comprises a pendant lamp and two table centrepieces, one circular and one rectangular. Designed by Feltwood founder Arancha Yañez, the pieces mark the company’s first interior design collection.

From Agricultural Waste to Mouldable Material

Feltwood develops and produces its material in Zaragoza, Spain, using technology patented in Europe and the United States. Its process transforms discarded plant fibres into a strong, mouldable material intended as an alternative to conventional plastics.

The resulting material is lightweight, soft to the touch and visibly fibrous. Although its appearance can recall wood, paper or plastic, its raw material comes from fruit and vegetable residues.

According to Feltwood, the material can be recycled or composted at the end of its useful life. The absence of added adhesives and resins is central to the company’s approach to developing a circular material.

For product and interior designers, the collection offers an example of how agricultural waste can provide both a raw material and a distinct surface finish. Feltwood also states that its technology has been developed for production at scale, with manufacturing capacity and control over the process.

A Surface That Reveals Its Fibres

The GIRARA collection retains the visible structure of the plant fibres rather than concealing them. These fibres give the objects their texture and a visual warmth reminiscent of wood. Subtle surface variations mean that individual pieces differ slightly.

The pendant lamp combines this fibrous surface with an organically shaped shade and warm, diffused light. Lamps can be grouped at different heights to create arrangements for restaurant counters, hotel reception areas or residential interiors.

The circular and rectangular centrepieces bring the material to a smaller, domestic scale. They can function as standalone decorative objects or hold arrangements incorporating natural elements.

Collaboration and Future Applications

Ekohunters proposed the joint collection after discovering Feltwood’s material and its approach to circular design. The marketplace, which has worked with ecodesign brands and emerging designers for more than a decade, collaborated directly with Feltwood to develop the range.

GIRARA will be available internationally and exclusively through Ekohunters. Further designs are planned beyond the first three pieces.

Feltwood also identifies potential applications in furniture and other products commonly made from plastic or wood. Its mouldability could extend the material’s use beyond lighting and decoration, although these broader applications are not part of the initial collection.

Source & photos: Ekohunters / Feltwood