Zvnder

FUNGISKIN

FUNGISKIN is characterized by its marbled, velvety surface and has visual similarities with animal leather, but differs in that it is a vegan, sustainable alternative. FUNGISKIN feels exceptionally soft and pleasantly light due to its high air content, which gives the material additional insulating properties. FUNGISKIN also has highly absorbent and antiseptic properties.
The size of the FUNGISKIN depends always on the size of the mushroom body. (It can't be produced as yard goods...) The material thickness, weight, color, density, etc. can also vary within the surface. Please note that FUNGISKIN is a 100% natural product.
Each piece of FUNGISKIN is made from a single Tinder fungus. They differ in color, size, shape and feel. So it is possible that for the individual products, material of different mushrooms is used. Tinder Fungus contains a large amount of melanin, which can lead to discoloration, as with other natural products. In the course of time, FUNGISKIN also shows more and more traces of use, which are quite intentional and give the material its very own look. The FUNGISKIN also sensitive to moisture and dirt.
ZVNDER does not offer mass products. So if you are interested in a product made of tinder sponge, please contact us by mail or use the store function.

From Transylvania

At ZVNDER, material quality is a top priority. I work closely with local families from the Transylvanian region who have practiced their traditional craft since the 1850s, passing down their valuable knowledge from generation to generation. This artisanal tradition is now extremely rare and rightly considered part of cultural heritage—its preservation is a central concern in my work. Transylvania, also known as Siebenbürgen, is located in the heart of Romania and is characterized by untouched forests and an abundance of tinder fungi.
The fruiting bodies of the fungi are harvested with great care, and the trees on which they grow are tended for years to ensure ecological balance and the preservation of the species.

No chemicals are used at any point in the production of FUNGISKIN. Even the resulting byproducts can be repurposed—for example, as natural incense in beekeeping—reflecting a sustainable approach that considers the entire value chain.

To Berlin

In the Berlin based ZVNDER studio, the FUNGISKINs are further processed into handmade products. The manufacturing of a product is always based on the particular characteristics of the FUNGISKINs. As each piece of FUNGISKIN is unique in shape, colour, haptics and material thickness, ZVNDER's motto is - Form Follows Material. The FUNGISKINs are therefore carefully select for each product. In addition to the low material consumption, the material waste is also recycled as completely as possible. The leftovers from the FUNGISKINs can be processed into FUNGI-fibres. For instance, these are suitable for the production of paper and nonwovens. Some material properties are adapted to the product requirements, e.g. to protect the absorbent tinder fungi material from moisture and to make it more durable. For this purpose, various coatings are used for some products in addition to cotton textiles.