Penapalne is a nature-inspired design brand creating elegant, plant-based lifestyle products from real leaves and bio-materials. Their mission is to reconnect people with nature through thoughtful craftsmanship and sustainable innovation. We catch up with founder Fangzhou Yin to learn how they transform fallen leaves into a durable material.
Hi Fangzhou! What first attracted you to your craft?
I’ve always been fascinated by materials, particularly their texture, meaning, and emotional power. During my studies at Central Saint Martins, I became deeply engaged with sustainable materials and CMF (colour, material, finish) design. That passion grew into a desire to explore natural, plant-based materials that speak both emotionally and ecologically.
Plant Based Card Holder in Green
Expertly crafted from real leaves and paired with durable, plant-based apple leather.
How would you summarise your collection?
Naturally elegant. Penapalne offers refined lifestyle products, ranging from accessories to homeware, made from real leaves. Where sustainability and beauty exist in quiet harmony.
What inspired you to start your own creative business?
As part of the Penapalne team, we were brought together by a shared curiosity: how can we preserve the beauty of a falling leaf?
Our goal was to build a brand that celebrates nature through elegant, functional design. Together, we wanted to create pieces that feel both poetic and purposeful, whilst combining craftsmanship with a sustainable ethos.
What is your favourite aspect of running your own business?
Collaborating with a like-minded team to bring ideas to life. I also enjoy seeing how people connect with our products.
Does your product have an environmental focus/does it support the circular economy?
Absolutely. At Penapalne, we work with real fallen leaves and transform them into botanical leather through a low-impact process. Many of our designs are 100% bio-based and biodegradable. We’re committed to small-batch production, long product life, and responsible sourcing. These values align with circular design thinking.
What is the USP (unique selling point) for your products?
Each Penapalne piece is made from real leaves. Their veins, textures, and colours (with some colored leaf options) make our products truly one-of-a-king. Our USP is the poetic fusion of botanical material innovation with thoughtful, timeless design.
What do you love most about your botanical card holders?
I have a soft spot for our card holders. They’re compact, tactile, and often the first piece that introduces people to our leaf leather. They embody our belief that everyday objects can carry nature’s presence and elegance.
Penapalne is part of not just a shop‘s selected new designers and makers for 2025.
Each year, not just a shop holds an Open Call for new products from UAL students and alumni. All products and makers are selected by a panel from various disciplines and backgrounds.
This year, 13 new makers were chosen as our new cohort, making it one of our most successful years yet. Our range of practical yet stylish homeware, jewellery and accessories are sure to excite and enhance your everyday style and experience.
Learn more about this years selection of new makers and products.