Our story

KNOWN FOR ITS RIGOROUS STANDARDS, THE FINNISH COMPANY WOODNOTES DESIGNS AND MANUFACTURES PRODUCTS AND CONCEPTS  INSPIRED BY PAPER YARN FOR HOMES AND PUBLIC SPACES.

Woodnotes is a Finnish design company founded in 1987 by textile designer Ritva Puotila and her son Mikko Puotila. The company is still owned by its founders.

The original concept of ​​Woodnotes' products was to combine the artistic creativity inspired by Finland’s rugged nature with valuable craftsmanship and advanced technologies, utilizing basic Finnish raw materials, wood and paper.  Woodnotes is the first company in the world to use paper yarn in a contemporary way in functional textiles. Ritva Puotila wanted to use paper yarn because of its properties – to make the most of its unique characteristics, not as a substitute for other materials.

The Woodnotes collection, which has expanded over the years from carpets made from paper yarn to a comprehensive concept, is augmented every year with new, relevant, and innovative products.

Woodnotes products are recognized around the globe for their elegant design and superior quality. The company currently exports 70% of its production to over 40 countries. Woodnotes products are sold at higher-end interior design and design retailers.

Woodnotes products have won numerous international awards.

Ecological design

WE RESPECT THE ENVIRONMENT BY PRODUCING TIMELESS PRODUCTS AND CHOOSING OUR MATERIALS AND PRODUCTION PROCESSES CAREFULLY.

Woodnotes has specialised in the development and refinement of spun paper yarn.

Environmental concerns play a central role in all of our production activities and those of our partners as well. The paper yarn used by Woodnotes has been spun from durable heavyweight paper that can be recycled or burned to produce energy. Our products are biodegradable. Our white paper is produced without the use of chlorine gas, and the dyes used to colour our yarn contain neither halogen-organic compounds nor heavy metals. Woodnotes and our partner companies are continuously searching for new methods to improve our ecological competitiveness.

Materials

WOODNOTES HAS SPECIALISED IN THE DEVELOPMENT AND REFINEMENT OF SPUN PAPER YARN.

Woodnotes has specialised in the development and working of spun paper yarn, which is used as material in the production of nearly all Woodnotes’ woven textile products.  Paper yarn is an authentic, natural material composed of an ecologically produced renewable resource: wood.

The strength and durability of the yarn results from wood fibres. Paper is both hygienic and safe. Due to the density of the fibres, paper yarn collects neither dust nor dirt – an important property, especially for those who suffer from allergies. The paper yarn is spun from kraft paper, which is also used as a raw material in food packaging.

Woodnotes’ paper yarn products are biodegradable, and our white paper is produced without chlorine gas.

Production

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT OFFERS SIGNIFICANT CHALLENGES BUT INSPIRES DESIGN AS WELL.

The production and technological know-how of two partner companies and our own workshop stand behind Woodnotes quality: mastery of spun paper yarn, expertise in weaving and sewing, and manufacturing of a unique collection of products through customized industrial production. Thanks to this expertise, it is possible to create products with unique aesthetic properties, allowing us to realize the artistic vision of our company.

Close cooperation with the spinning mill allows us to continuously improve the quality of our raw material. Product development in cooperation with the weaving and sewing factories ensures production and product quality. Product development offers significant challenges but inspires design as well. By combining the development of raw materials with that of weaving technologies, it is possible to expand our product catalogue and bring new, innovative products to market.

Product design

SOFTNESS OF WOOL, PURITY OF PAPER, GLOW OF METAL - PRODUCTS OF A RARE AESTHETIC QUALITY.

The natural beauty of spun paper yarn is refined to produce timeless products of a rare aesthetic quality. The characters of pure natural materials are expressed in clean, long lasting geometrical figures. All Woodnotes products reflect strongly the spirit of Finnish design: simplicity, harmony and functionality.

The everyday beauty of Woodnotes products is the key to counterbalancing the massive information flow of the modern world.

RECOGNITIONS

2021

GERMAN DESIGN AWARD 2021: GOLD

GERMAN DESIGN COUNCIL

The Earth Collection paper yarn carpets, Woodnotes Design Team

2018

GERMAN DESIGN AWARD 2018: WINNER

GERMAN DESIGN COUNCIL

Siro+ bar stool, Ilkka Suppanen and Raffaella Mangiarotti

2018

GERMAN DESIGN AWARD 2018: Special Mention

GERMAN DESIGN COUNCIL

Siro+ chair with armrest, Ilkka Suppanen and Raffaella Mangiarotti

2017

ICONIC AWARDS 2017: BEST OF BEST AWARD WINNER

GERMAN DESIGN COUNCIL

IMM Cologne, Germany
San Francisco carpet, Ritva Puotila