TREEPLASTIC: the innovative 100% natural and biodegradable material
When talking about materials that are alternatives to plastic, people often think they have to accept compromises: lower strength or reduced durability.
TREEPLASTIC was created to challenge this idea!
TREEPLASTIC is an innovative material derived from wood, 100% naturally sourced, durable, and 100% biodegradable.
It represents a highly creative evolution of Arbos research: a material capable of combining technical performance, contemporary aesthetics, and environmental responsibility.
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We have made this extraordinary innovative material the centerpiece of an elegant collection of desk accessories and notebooks.
What is TREEPLASTIC and where does it come from?
The TREEPLASTIC project was launched in 2024 as part of a research program funded by the PNRR and developed by Arbos, with the aim of exploring new applications for a plant-based biopolymer derived from lignin, a natural by-product of the paper industry.
Lignin is a natural substance found in wood, responsible for its rigidity and structural strength. During industrial cellulose processing, it is separated and typically considered a waste by-product.
TREEPLASTIC comes to life from the desire to transform this by-product into a resource, promoting a concrete circular economy in which what is discarded is reborn as new material and becomes an opportunity for beauty and innovation.
From a technical perspective, TREEPLASTIC:
- is composed of 99% lignin, a plant-based polymer derived from wood
- It is 100% biodegradable.
- It is 100% compostable (industrial compostable).
- It is 100% recyclable.
- It is injection-molded using state-of-the-art technologies.
It maintains stability and durability over time. - It is FSC certified, as it comes from the wood supply chain.
- It is transformed into beautiful, functional, and sustainable objects, with an extremely low environmental impact.
To learn more about lignin and plant-based bioplastics, you can also consult the European portal dedicated to biomaterials.
Why TREEPLASTIC is the alternative to plastic.
Traditional plastic is derived from fossil sources (petroleum) and, once it becomes waste, takes hundreds of years to degrade, breaking down into micro- and nanoplastics that enter ecosystems and even the human body.
TREEPLASTIC, on the other hand, is 100% biodegradable and compostable. Unlike conventional plastics, it is also recyclable within molding cycles and has a neutral LCA, as the CO₂ absorbed by the tree during its growth offsets the emissions generated during production.
The use of lignin — a by-product — to create something new and useful is part of the Arbos philosophy and has guided our production since 1988, with materials such as straw paper, Ricuoio®, Ristoffa®, and our recycled paper products.
TREEPLASTIC and design: from waste comes a beautiful idea.
For us, a sustainable material must also be aesthetically compelling. To give shape and identity to TREEPLASTIC, we chose to collaborate with Studio Sostanza in Turin, with the aim of transforming the material into an innovative and distinctive design language.
Valeria Francescato and Alessia Pagotto designed a desk collection composed of two notebooks in two sizes, small and large, with recycled paper interiors, a memo pad holder, a catch-all tray, and a pen holder.
To further emphasize the connection with wood, the designers chose to give such an innovative material a handcrafted look and feel.
In fact, the surface of the objects features the distinctive details of traditional wood craftsmanship, inspired by the sgobbia, a symbolic tool of the woodworking tradition.
The satin finish and the embossed detailing give a natural and authentic touch, soft to the eye and pleasant to the touch.
TREEPLASTIC and sustainable corporate gifts: a choice that communicates value.
Perhaps your company is also looking for sustainable corporate gifts. Not for the sake of trends or appearances, but to give real substance and coherence to your brand’s green DNA.
Then TREEPLASTIC is the right choice because:
- it sets your brand apart through the choice of an innovative material;
- it communicates consistency between your values and the product you choose as a gift;
- it is original and high-quality;
- it reduces environmental impact;
- it offers a durable object that is, above all, 100% biodegradable.
A TREEPLASTIC corporate gift is not just a small token, but an object that conveys values, demonstrates a concrete commitment, and places innovation and a love for Made in Italy design at its core.
Responsible innovation: the future of materials starts here.
TREEPLASTIC represents a tangible example of how innovation can arise from recovery. For Arbos, it means continuing a journey that began over thirty years ago: creating beautiful, functional, and durable objects that are increasingly respectful of the environment.
If you would like to discover how to integrate TREEPLASTIC into your projects, we can build a tailored solution together.
TREEPLASTIC: wood as you’ve never seen it before.
Would you like to discover the TREEPLASTIC collection?
The TREEPLASTIC project has been funded by the European Union – Next Generation EU, under the framework of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), Mission 1, Component 3 – Investment 3.3, Sub-Investment 3.3.4 “Promoting innovation and inclusive eco-design, including in terms of circular economy, and guiding the public toward more responsible environmental and climate-conscious behaviors,” Public Call TOCC – Ecological Transition for Cultural and Creative Organizations (PNRR).
PNRR – TRANSIZIONE ECOLOGICA ORGANISMI CULTURALI E CREATIVI Protocollo TOCC: 0003861 – Codice CUP: C17J23001590008 Codice COR: 16233726
The measure is promoted by the Ministry of Culture and managed by Invitalia S.p.A.
