Barktex

The permanently renewable bark of the East African “Mutuba” fig tree is used to harvest and manufacture plastic free clothes. These clothes are created in collaboration with small-scale Ugandan farmers. The bark is harvested only once a year, more importantly, without actually felling the tree. Therefore, each strip produces one cloth which has its own unique history. Apart from its contribution to the sustainable, plastic-free fashion industry, it lends itself to different uses like wall covering, furniture component, awning or trade stand. 

Run by the Barongo-Heintz family from 1999, the company gives archaic bark cloth enhanced functionality and finish through modern and socio-cultural, infrastructure-adapted production processes including textile, wood, and paper technology. Many of these processes take place in their factory in Uganda - with additives that the company has made itself or that are manufactured mindfully, using low energy and sometimes even CO2 emission free processes, in Germany.

Tree Bark Fleece has a rich traditional history and was manufactured exclusively for the monarchs of the nearly millennial kingdom of Buganda till the end of the nineteenth century.

With varied purposes and finishes, this natural textile offers high-quality design, an attractive appearance and unlike most textiles, does not release any substances such as phenol or formaldehyde. It pushes for sustainability throughout its creation, as the shorter pressing cycles also contribute to larger energy efficient production. It’s a sustainable alternative to conventional binding agents and brings together efficiency while enhancing the laudable properties of natural fibres. 

By prioritizing dematerialized structures and intelligent low-tech the company ensures remaining independent of the local infrastructure.