Instead of traditional pigments and dyes, the team developed a completely wood-based solution: a structural color created by the interaction of light and material – like in butterfly wings.
Shimber's solution is a nanocellulose-based, completely microplastic-free coating that delivers intense shimmering and iridescent color. It can be applied to wood, metal, and other materials, bringing surfaces to life in a unique way.
The coating is suitable for many applications – such as furniture, interior design products, jewelry and designer accessories.
Shimber aims to take invention to the pinnacle of design, fashion and architecture – where beauty and sustainability meet. Shimber introduces a new kind of luxury: color that is both inspired by nature and forward-looking.
Shimber
- Nanocellulose-based coating technology that produces color through structure – completely without pigments.
- Founders: Monika Nars, Noora Yau, Anna Semi and Konrad Klockars.
shimber.fi
Shimber's milestones
2017 Shimmering wood project is born at Aalto University
2020 Shimmering Wood exhibition at Designs for a Cooler Planet
2020 Shimmering Wood represented at the Material Connexion material library in NYC
2021 Finalist in the FastCompany competition (Art & Design category). Honorable Mention in the experimenta category.
2022 Shimmering Wood tiles in Habitare
2024 Inspirator of the Year, Fashion Circular Economy Award
2025 Hyvon Award for innovation that renews the textile industry
2025 Shimmering wood becomes Shimber Oy and a spin-off from Aalto
2025 Accelerator funding and first customers
