Telluric - A journey of Paper from Earth to Garment

The message of the project

Derived from the Latin word meaning "comes from Earth," Project TELLURIC is an initiative that explores life, cycles, matter, and transformation. This project redefines sustainability in fashion by converting textile waste into high-quality paper, which is then used to craft avant-garde garments. Through a collaboration between Traditional Futures and Mekanika, Project TELLURIC introduces an open-source, modular Hollander Beater designed specifically for processing textile waste, making local production more accessible and sustainable. By preserving the traditional craft of creating paper from textiles, the project establishes a circular system where paper garments can return to their original form, thus reducing waste and promoting eco-conscious design.

The idea behind the project

Project TELLURIC originated from a desire to merge traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, reinventing the use of materials in fashion. Drawing inspiration from European paper conservation traditions and Japan’s Edo period, when paper was used to make garments, the project reimagines these practices through contemporary, sustainable methods. The partnership between Traditional Futures, a sustainable heritage fashion brand, and Mekanika, a company specializing in open-source machinery design, led to the development of an innovative, modular Hollander Beater. This machine efficiently transforms textile waste into high-quality paper, which then serves as the base for a new generation of minimalist, zero-waste garments. Project TELLURIC embodies an endless cycle of creation and re-creation, merging cultural heritage with sustainable innovation.

What next?

Project TELLURIC aims to establish a platform for small-scale biomaterial processing by offering accessible tools and a framework for circular production. In addition to creating a collection of avant-garde paper garments and a commercially viable, open-source Hollander Beater, the project seeks to inspire designers, fab labs, and educational institutions to explore the potential of paper as a sustainable material. By providing Hollander Beaters to educational spaces and building a network of makers across Europe, Project TELLURIC will continue to drive innovation in biomaterials, supporting the development of future sustainable solutions. The long-term goal is to create a circular fashion model that highlights the economic and environmental benefits of transforming waste into valuable, beautiful materials.