Urcyl: A Characterful, Tree-Sap-Derived Biocomposite

The new moulded material technology, Urcyl, uses 100% natural raw materials, and is based on traditional Japanese lacquerware (or urushi), where the sap of the urushi tree is used as an adhesive and coating. Urushi is strong, highly resilient and durable, with antibacterial properties. Its chemical structure is also akin to certain plastics, meaning Urcyl has great potential for use as a plastic alternative.

To exploit urushi’s properties, Elemus combines the natural lacquer (which contains urushiol resin) with finely powdered wood waste (or flours) in a patented process. It is then heated and pressed into moulds, without the need for additional additives. Both hard and softwood flours can be used, thus different waste streams (like industrial offcuts) can be utilised.

While strong and highly resistant, the resultant material is also carbon-neutral and recyclable, and features in rich dark tones with a natural character. The first iteration of products (including cups, bowls and lampshades) was exhibited at January’s Maison et Objet trade show.

To further the regenerative credentials of Urcyl and ensure traceability and quality, Elemus is cultivating its own trees in collaboration with local governments. Plus, as the trees are relatively quick-growing, and lacquer can be harvested around 15 years after germination, the company hopes to establish its own scalable supply chain in the coming years.

Thoughtful and natural materiality – whether in the form of bio-based or culturally relevant materials – is a key direction across the design landscapes for 2025 and beyond. See Composites and Wood & Plant-Based Naturals in our S/S 2025 and A/W 25/26 Materials Evolutions respectively.