Making friends of enemies. Or: How we can make an invasive plant species useful. In a mobile presentation unit, the Slovenian collective Re-generacija presented the results of an ongoing research process for alternative cellulose fiber production – from the harvesting of the Japanese knotweed in and around Ljubljana to laboratory arrangements and material tests. It is astonishing how
wide-ranging the potential is in the usage options of the sand-colored, slightly herbalsmelling fibers. Examples like lampshades and dyed fabrics were on show in a small exhibition. And the edible Japanese knotweed – it is also used as medicine – couldn’t be kept off the stage at the opening cocktail.