We create biodegradable materials using apple pomace.
POWER TO THE POMACE
Apple pomace is the by-product of apple juice or cider pressing – a solid, fibrous residue made of skins, pulp, and seeds.
A Matter of Fruit repurposes this valuable resource into biodegradable and purely plant-based films.
Our goal: to reduce microplastics, microfibres, and dependence on petroleum-based plastics — all while actively contributing to a circular economy.
By sourcing our raw material from regional juice producers, we aim to reduce long supply chains as well as strengthen our local farmers.
The Material
Our material carries a unique character that combines a natural aesthetic with performance.
Recyclable, biodegradable, flexible, with a natural smell and touch, reflecting the seasonal variations of each apple harvest. It can be translucent or opaque, smooth or textured, and is highly versatile: printable, shapeable, sewable, and even suitable for laser cutting.
The material can be used across various industries with a current focus on the interior architecture as sunlight and privacy protection. After further development applications will open up to new areas such as leather alternative and environmentally-friendly packaging solutions.
The Founding Team
We are a women-led, Berlin-based interdisciplinary team, bringing together expertise in regenerative material design, in agricultural (by-) products and in shaping circular and environmentally friendly business strategies. Every decision is guided by respect for people, nature, and the planet — from apple growers and juice production to the finished material.
Verena Brom
Strategic Lead,
Material Design &
Product Development
Leonie Streng
Production &
Resource Management
Kao Danpan
Business &
Brand Development
Areas of Application
Our current focus is on applications within the interior design and architecture sectors. The films are designed and engineered for use in products such as blinds, panel curtains, vertical louvres, and lampshades — offering a non-toxic, biodegradable alternative to conventional synthetic textiles. This not only supports healthier indoor environments but also aligns with growing industry demand for sustainable material sourcing and circular product design.
Collaborations
Initially supported by the Berlin Senate Department for Economics, Energy and Public Enterprises and the European Social Fund (ESF) through DesignFarmBerlin, we afterwards successfully collaborated with Fraunhofer UMSICHT to scale up our material. More recently, we have further advanced our development with HTW University under the EXIST Startup Program, a national initiative run by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE).
Having recently exhibited at the Grassi Museum in Leipzig and the Futurium in Berlin, we are now proud to showcase our latest developments at K 2025 Düsseldorf Hall 7, Stand C05 together with Fraunhofer UMSICHT. We will also be present at DDW 2025 in Eindhoven between the 17th and the 21st of October.
We welcome new partnerships and collaborations – whether you would like to meet in person at K in Düsseldorf or DDW in Eindhoven, or have a general inquiry, feel free to get in touch.