Because aesthetics alone is not always enough
BARKTEX®_functionals is made from BARKTEX®_aesthetics or the traditionally made BARK CLOTH, in order to meet modern requirements on functionality for various applications.
Several textile, wood, leather or polymer technologies are used to achieve the functional finished. The functions/ equipment/ processes listed here are applicable to BARK CLOTH and almost all BARKTEX®_aesthetics and can be combined in part. We are pleased to advise you on a project-specific basis.
BARKTEX®_Acoustics_0100
Individual solutions in sound absorption. Are you also sick of those eternal perforated or slit boards? Hungry for going new paths? What about the world’s largest sound absorbing solution with a surface free of pattern repeats? We can offer these with at least 5 000 x 15 000 cm free of fouls, with no rapport. One has to first come up with this idea.
BARKTEX®_Fire-resistant_0533
Fire resistant finishing according to the latest EU requirements EU standard DIN EN 13823, partly identical with the “old” German industrial standard DIN 4102 B1. Available for BARK CLOTH and most types of BARKTEX®_aesthetics.
BARKTEX®_Eco-coat_0580
Ecological coating for increased softness, water repellancy and optimized abrasion resistance. 100% organic. The cloth is finihed in a multistage process: first soaked with liquid lanolin (a sheepswoolwax derivate) and after drying it is brushed with a mixture of hard carnauba wax, shiny beeswax, and orange peel oil, before finally it is ironed so that ideally each single fiber is coated purely organically. We do recommend the BARKTEX®_Stainguard_0511 finish in addition (see below). Thus, it provides adaequate protection for the use as e.g. furniture fronts, or for fashion accessories, and partly even shoes. The material is sometimes used for furniture upholstery, but it is not a certified upholstery fabric. The finish is available for BARK CLOTH and most types of BARKTEX®_aesthetics. With beeswax and lanoline, this finish does contain a small portion of animal additives. If you are looking for a purely vegan solution, please check for BARKTEX®_No-buffalo.
BARKTEX®_Stainguard_0511
Stain protection finishing. Water and oil repellency, and resistance to general dry soiling. Available for BARK CLOTH and most BARKTEX®_aesthetic products. Like many other wooden materials, also tree bark fleece offers antimicrobiotic and cytotoxic properties. Therefore, they are generally less prone to staining than e.g., cotton or most synthetics. For this reason, we do not recommend a stain protection finish for all purposes.
BARKTEX®_Softgrip_0517
The tree bark fleece for softies. Increased skin sympathy, voluminous touch effect, as well as significantly increased suppleness and elasticity is provided by a softening finishing process. Feels a bit artificial, you might still remember these babyfeel-grip added textiles from your childhood . Can be used for clothing, but is only required for exceptional purposes. Available for BARK CLOTH and most BARKTEX®_aesthetic products.
BARKTEX®_Laminated_055x
Available on a wide selection of fabric- or synthetic laminated BARK CLOTH or BARKTEX®_aesthetic products. Increases tensile strength and for some applications simplifies the workability. It is also useful if the backside should be visible in another look. Laminated bark products are used in the various sectors. The applicability of laminating materials with different properties depends on the intended use. The most commonly used materials are cotton fabrics and PE fleece. Silk adds class and gracefulness. Awarded a Certificate of Excellence from Material ConneXion, New York. Contact us if you wish to use non-flexible materials such as wood products/veneers or between or under/over glass or PETG/PMMA. For special requirements we can arrange contact with experienced finishing specialists.
Process Optimization
Many of these processes take place in our manufactory in Uganda – using additives which are strictly either self-made or produced in Germany. Thus, a maximum value is generated on the spot and income is generated in a structurally weak region. We can therefore offer the extremely labor-intensive semi-finished products at a fair price-performance ratio for everyone involved: the customers, the employees and ourselves.
Some of the products are finished in Germany either by commission processing or in our studio. This Ugandan-German double-track approach creates flexibility and reliability. Most of the BARKTEX® specialties are permanently available from our warehouse in Germany. Others are tailor-made according to your requirements.
Discover a unique material
Each piece is an exquisitely handcrafted individual
Designers and architects value the expressive character, unique texture and sensual tactility of the bark cloth tree bark fleece. Depending on lighting conditions, angle of viewing, finishing, and temperament of its producer the soft, moldable cloth changes from the supple, but robust charm of leather to the translucent and graceful lightness of filmy fleeces.
“The allure of this exceptional material comes from its inimitable structure and the fascinating game played between ancient authenticity and state-of-the-art finishes and uses… It is ideal to serve for products and architectural projects where individuality plays a central role”
Humberto Campana
Pure and real, thousands of years old, though ahead of its time, it concentrates style and design down to the bare essentials. For whichever application, you are sure to use a unique masterpiece.
Fascination of nature
Bark Cloth tree bark fleece, a textile without any additives.
Exactly one cloth is created from the bark of one tree. The harvesting of the bark and its subsequent processing are carried out exclusively by handwork. Only if trained hands were at work during harvest and processing, can we offer nature in perfection. For not everyone is master of the great art of tree peeling and the ancient, traditionally handed down knowledge of bark processing.
In contrast to most other nature-based solutions available on market, this so-called monomaterial does not contain any binders, dyes or other additives. It contains the bark fiber only, which is chemically broken down to cellulose, hemicellulose, tannins and traces of minerals.
On the production side, each square meter of Bark Cloth requires less than one liter of water. Since it is produced with muscle power only, and since the basic metabolic rate of a hard working man is only slightly higher than the metabolic rate of a man, resting lazy in a hammock, its production is CO2 – neutral. And if the natural CO2 – binding effect of Mutuba trees is included in the carbon footprint, Bark Cloth manufacturing is even CO2 – positive. No other textile offers such a favorable eco balance.
Product details
Size: | approx. 2000 x 3000 mm, special sizes available |
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Thickness: | 0,3 – 3,5 mm |
Material: | bark cloth |
Characteristics: | translucent, heat resistant up to 200 ºC, three-dimensionally deformable |
Sustainability criteria
Country of origin: | Uganda |
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Origin of materials: | Uganda |
Function: | healthy, low-emission, natural, circular ability, CO2 neutral, suitable for allergy sufferers |
Certificates: | Bark Cloth® eco is the only worldwide certified Bark Cloth® from controlled organic cultivation (EU Standard 2092/91). The production takes place according to the guidelines of the ILO (International Labor Organization) and SA 8000. Standards for Bark Cloth® production are controlled through an elaborate certification process by a German IFOAM (International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements)-accredited certification company. |
Manufacturing processes: | since 1990 with organic farmers monomaterial without any binders, dyes or other additives, less than 1 l/sqm water usage, CO2 neutral, BarkTex: using additives which are strictly either self-made or produced in Germany, income is generated in a structurally weak region, fair price-performance ratio |
Collaborations: | with reknown universities and research institutions, such as Design Academy Eindhoven, London Metropolitan University, Parsons New York, NASA, ESDI Rio de Janeiro, Fraunhofer, Steinbeis or the German Aerospace Centre |