Krapiva Zhguchaya

Long description

‘Krapiva Zhguchaya’ is a research project that explores the possibilities of using the plant of stinging nettle to create a variety of materials and products. Stinging Nettle is a weed widespread in Europe and Asia that the majority of people try to get rid of in their yards. Traditionally it was used in Russian culture as a source for clothes, fishing nets, sailing ropes, traditional medicine, food and house insulation because of its antiseptic properties. The potential for the material is enormous. Fibres that could be used for textile, make up just 8-10% of the plant, the rest is thatch and it could be used as a material source as well since it’s rich in cellulose.

The project ‘Krapiva Zhguchaya’ already resulted in a family of household items that includes a variety production techniques and recipes:

• the carpet is made from fibres.
• the vessels are created from the fibre with addition of starch, flour and water.
• the table and stool recipe includes the thatch and leaves from the stinging nettle mixed with the bio-resin.

The research is ongoing and is being developed into a material from thatch and PLA (eco-friendly bioplastic), which is interesting because it could be recycled. Part of the research is a TORWASH technology that is being developed in the Netherlands by the research institution TNO. That allows to recover and separate both the nettle and PLA and to contribute the circularity.

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