Seaweed: sustainable, versatile, robust
Natural fibre for storage and decoration
Seagrass grows quickly and is easy to work with. Our customers love products made of seagrass because they have a beautiful, natural charm and their simplicity makes them suitable for many furnishing styles. A basket or a decorative bowl made of seaweed makes every meal together that little bit cosier.
What is seaweed and where does it grow?
Seagrass, of which there are about 16 species worldwide, is a plant genus from the seagrass family. Seagrass grows on coasts and in the seas up to a depth of 15 metres. The green leaves grow up to 2 metres long. The various species of seagrass are found in Northern Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and New Zealand. We get our seaweed from East Asia. There it grows in fields where the soil is too salty for other foods such as rice. Seaweed grows so fast that it can be harvested after only 2 months.
How is seaweed processed?
Seaweed must be processed quickly after harvesting. This is the only way to obtain high-quality fibres with the desired properties such as flexibility and robustness. For this purpose, the leaf is spliced, i.e. finely split. These strands are dried in the sun. After drying, the seaweed fibre strands are elastic and can be easily processed further. For this purpose, the strands are twisted together or braided into ropes, depending on their later use.
What properties does seagrass have?
Seagrass binds carbon and thus contributes to climate protection. Good qualities of seagrass have a natural protection against mould, mites, mice and rotting. Seagrass is not easily flammable (B2), and it is a good insulation material. In addition, seagrass is breathable, aseptic and wound-healing.
What can be made from seaweed?
Because of its various positive properties, there are many uses for seagrass. Research is being done on the use of seagrass in the food industry, for medical and cosmetic purposes, and for wellness applications.
Seaweed is used
• as a sustainable, effective insulating material
• for robust, low-rot erosion mats
• for carpets, furniture and lamps
• for storage and decoration
What are the advantages of seagrass products?
Seagrass literally grows like a weed quickly and without great demands. The cultivation of seagrass does not compete with the cultivation of food. Seagrass cultures bind large amounts of CO2, which makes the plant a supporter in the fight against climate change.
The workable fibre of seagrass is naturally protected against mould, pests and rotting. At the same time, seagrass provides excellent insulation and is breathable. The natural material is easy to work with and the products are robust and durable. Baskets made of seagrass, for example, can carry comparatively heavy loads.
The advantages of products made of seaweed:
• Seagrass grows quickly, without time-consuming care and without pesticides.
• Seagrass cultivation does not compete with food cultivation
• Products made from seagrass have numerous positive properties
• Cultivation and processing of seaweed feeds many families and helps children to go to school.
How do I care for products made from seagrass?
Due to its robust properties, the care of products made of seagrass is very easy. Dust and light dirt can simply be wiped off with a soft, damp cloth. More stubborn dirt can be removed with lukewarm water. For intensive care and protection, you can use a furniture care spray or lotion. Tip: First test the product on the floor or on another, invisible spot. This way you can see whether the care product of your choice changes the colour slightly.
