Origami has long been rooted in the use of traditional paper. But at Studio LUF, we began asking a different question: Why should folding be limited to paper? Instead, we chose snack bags as our material of choice, and the reason is clear. Snack bags have entirely different physical properties compared to regular origami paper. Today, let's take a closer look at how these two materials compare from scientific and practical perspectives.
Material Properties: How Do Paper and Snack Bags Differ?
Traditional origami paper is a lightweight material made from plant-based fibers. It's easy to tear and quickly deteriorates when exposed to water. Snack bags, on the other hand, are composite materials made from plastic and aluminum, offering impressive durability and waterproof capabilities. While origami paper folds softly and creates crisp, clean creases, snack bags are stiff and have a slippery surface, making them harder to manipulate and requiring more force to shape. However, once folded, snack bags hold their form over time. Although this makes them a more challenging material for beginners, the durability and practicality of the final product make them an appealing alternative.
Folding Experience: Paper vs. Snack Bags
At its core, origami is about creases. Traditional paper allows for precise folds and detailed work, making it ideal for intricate designs. However, finished pieces are often fragile and lose their shape over time. Snack bags present the opposite challenge. Folding them can be difficult, but once completed, the structure holds up remarkably well. For those seeking practicality and longevity in their work, snack bags might even be the better choice.
Environmental Impact: Sustainability in Focus
Traditional paper is more sustainable. It decomposes naturally and can usually be recycled, except for certain coated varieties. Snack bags are a different story. Their layered composition of plastic and aluminum makes them nearly impossible to recycle. Most end up in landfills or incinerators, taking centuries to break down. But this is exactly why Studio LUF embraces snack bags. By turning discarded waste into something useful and creative, we’re practicing the very essence of upcycling—giving new purpose to materials otherwise destined for the trash.
Practical Use: Which Material Works Better?
Traditional origami paper is perfect for artistic expression. But as a material for everyday objects, it has its limits. It's delicate, tears easily, and falls apart when wet. Snack bags, however, are well-suited for making items like keychains or bag charms. They’re water-resistant, durable, and maintain their color and shape over time. What was once a piece of trash becomes a functional object, adding real value through transformation.
Aesthetic and Emotional Value: The Feel of the Fold
Traditional origami paper is familiar and comforting. It brings back memories of childhood and carries a timeless simplicity. Snack bags are different. Branded logos, bold colors, and unpredictable patterns give each creation a unique personality. Even when making the same design, no two pieces are ever alike. This is where the true charm of snack bag origami lies—every single work is a one-of-a-kind creation.
Final Thoughts: Why Studio LUF Chose Snack Bags
Our decision to work with snack bags is not just about using a new material. Snack bags represent the potential to transform origami from a delicate craft into something practical, durable, and meaningful. They turn what would otherwise be waste into something of value. And because no two snack bags are alike, every piece we create becomes a singular, original work of art. Origami is no longer just about paper. Through snack bags, we are discovering new possibilities in the things we once threw away. At Studio LUF, we hope this new approach to folding inspires a future where environmental responsibility, artistic creativity, and practical design all come together.
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