Japanese industrial designer Naoto Fukasawa has teamed up with paper firm Onao for a sustainable limited edition accessories collection. The SIWA range features eco-friendly purses crafted from an innovative new fabric dubbed naoron.
The versatile material comes from wood pulp combined with either the polymer polyolefin or recycled polyester. Onao has pioneered the material, which is crafted using traditional Japanese washi-suki paper making practices. The resulting material has a soft leathery suppleness that should impress fashionistas. It’s also resistant to tearing and water damage. And perhaps most pleasing for the planet, it’s also very eco-friendly. It won’t even release harmful chemicals if it’s incinerated!
The SIWA name is derived from the washi-suki process which gives the bags their unique crinkled finish. The SIWA range features a diverse selection of accessories, from the small case and string and button envelope to the larger totes and briefcase. The prices are very reasonable for any accessories made using new technology. The small purses cost just $48, while the briefcase pictured is the most expensive item at $150.
The idea of paper bags becoming everyday accessories might take some time to get used to, but I’m sure eco-warriors will quickly embrace the new technology.
