Colombian brand Fango has launched the Ibuju furniture collection, crafted from sustainable yaré fiber to address deforestation in the Amazon. Designed by creative director Francisco Jaramillo, the collection includes a table, bench, and stool inspired by indigenous Amazonian aesthetics, which highlight the cultural and ecological richness of the region. Using yaré, a natural fiber that wraps around tree trunks without the need to cut them down, the furniture embodies a regenerative approach to design. Jaramillo explains that these pieces reimagine traditional wood furniture in a material that depends solely on the tree it grows on, rather than felling it. This technique also brings attention to the economic challenges deforestation places on local communities who rely on forest resources.
Crafted by artisans near Medellín, Colombia, the furniture uses traditional weaving techniques and takes up to eight weeks to complete each piece. Described as “neofolk,” the Ibuju collection reflects on the social impact of deforestation and promotes the responsible use of local materials. Jaramillo notes the urgent need for sustainable practices in design, particularly in Colombia, where biodiversity faces threats from logging and agriculture. The collection aims to inspire designers and consumers alike to consider the environmental impact of their choices.
Photography by JULIANA GÓMEZ QUIJANO
