Invasive Material

Description

‘Invasive Material’ looks at the development of the invasive Japanese knotweed as a material resource and the relationship between humans and the plant species that surround them. It also looks at why a plant with so many useful properties, such as Japanese knotweed, is viewed so negatively.  In order to counter this view with something positive, and to make the plant useful to humans in addition to its ecological benefits, four materials have been developed from it, each with very different properties. The above-ground parts of the plant are harvested in a species-appropriate manner that does not harm wild populations. The materials are biodegradable and can be used for a variety of purposes. In this way, they demonstrate the potential of a hitherto little-known resource.