Natural insulation: Bark is a protective layer, and one of its functions is to protect trees against the cold. Freiburg materials scientists are transferring this strategy to architecture – they are using components of bark to develop bio-based plastics that can serve as insulating material. Photo: Spalek The Materials Scientist Marie-Pierre Laborie Is Developing Bio-Based Plastics to Keep Your Living Room Warm in Winter Barking up the Right Tree by Felix Austen 28