Rethinking Tree Bark

Johanna Hehemeyer-Cürten, Dr. Michaela Eder, Dr. Charlett Wenig Futurium May-August 2024

Research Insight

Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces Cluster of Excellence Matters of Activity

Bark is often just a waste product in the timber industry. Large quantities of bark are burned every year, resulting in high emissions of climate-damaging CO2. Bark plays hardly any role in the Western product market, although it has been known as a material for thousands of years. One exception is cork: The bark of cork oak is still used today to produce textiles and everyday objects. Other types of bark are used only as a low-value material, for example bark from pine trees as mulch for plant cultivation.

The »Adaptive Fibrous Materials« research group headed by Dr. Michaela Eder is investigating the potential of tree bark. In its work, basic materials science research and design methods, such as prototype development, complement each other.

According to Julian Vincent (Professor of Biomimetics), in nature: »Shape is cheap, but material is expensive«. If we are to move toward a resource-conserving future, developing high-quality products from bark and using them sustainably would be desirable. Basic research into bark’s chemical and physical properties helps make optimum use of this material and foster a new appreciation of it.

Rethinking Tree Bark

Collaboratively developed scenarios and prototypes

Bark Tiles as a Facade System

Reversible Scale Panels

Pine Bark as a Facade

Kiefernbruch Hospital

Tree Bark for First Aid

Barkdark