"A truly unique combination of environmental sustainability, local economic support, and aestehetic versatility"
a collaboration of tradition and ecological innovation
Ella Einhell‘s Boneglass represents a modern revival of a forgotten tradition from the 15th century called “milkglass“. Meticulously researched and modernized over three years, this innovation not only preserves historical craftsmanship but also harnesses it to save resources for the future:
Instead of using unecological and harmful toxins, Ella uses animal bone waste from local farmers who would otherwise have to dispose of it at a cost.
By partnering with butchers and other local businesses, she is not only repurposing their discarded animal bones but also providing them with a new revenue stream.
Beyond its ecological significance, her Boneglass offers a range of aesthetic possibilities;
COLOUR
Already during the production of the bone ash, differences in colour become visible in the bone ash and these have an even greater effect later when processing the glass.
OPACITY
Boneglass can be customized to achieve a range of opacity effects, from complete transparency to a soft opaline or fully opaque finish. This versatility allows for tailored visual effects on each individual object. For example, in architectural applications such as facades, boneglass sheets could be designed with varying levels of opacity—starting opaque at ground level for privacy and gradually transitioning into an opaline or transparent finish as the height increases.
THE SUNLIGHT EFFECT
Much like clouds in the sky, Boneglass changes its color depending on the light conditions, its intensity, and the type of light source (e.g., sunlight versus artificial lighting). This dynamic quality creates a unique material color in every situation. For instance, a house facade made of Boneglass could appear white in the evening and shift to a vibrant red in the afternoon, offering an ever-changing aesthetic that responds to its environment.
boneglass as tableware
boneglass for showrooms and product presentations
Vision: boneglass as fassades