At Greenmood, we use innovative preservation techniques to transform natural plants into long-lasting biophilic design elementswithout light, water or maintenance.
From freeze-drying to natural stabilization
Preservation techniques first appeared in the 1970s, starting with freeze-drying. Flowers were frozen, then dried through sublimation under vacuum. This process extended their lifespan without damaging their form.
Over time, more effective methods emerged, focusing on replacing plant sap with natural glycerin. These innovations opened the door to preserving a wider variety of species with greater efficiency.
Over time, more efficient methods emerged, based on replacing sap with vegetable glycerin. They paved the way for preserving a greater number of species, with improved effectiveness.
A solution made for interior design
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From moss walls to acoustic installations, preserved plants offer the calm of nature — without constraints or upkeep.This evolution has allowed architects and designers to integrate real plant elements into spaces that were once too harsh or impractical for living greenery.
From moss walls to acoustic installations, preserved plants bring the calm of nature — without constraints or maintenance. This evolution allows architects and designers to integrate real plants into spaces once too demanding for living greenery.
Preservation methods vary depending on the type of plant, but all aim to maintain texture, color and flexibility without the need for soil, water or light.
Substitution technique for leafy plants
For branches and leafy plants, the stems are placed in a glycerin-water solution. As the sap naturally evaporates, the preservation liquid is absorbed into the plant over 1 to 3 weeks.
The process is carried out in a controlled environment to ensure the right temperature, humidity and glycerin concentration for each species.
The process takes place in a controlled environment (temperature, humidity, concentration) tailored to each species.
Rehydration technique for mosses and lichens
Mosses are first dried, then misted with a warm glycerin solution. Lichens are soaked in saltwater baths before drying.
Once rehydrated, they’re placed in a climate-controlled room, allowing moisture to evaporate gradually while preserving their softness and shape.
After rehydration, they are placed in a climate-controlled room so that moisture evaporates gradually while preserving softness and shape.
Where the colour comes from
Reindeer moss (Cladonia rangiferina) is a lichen rather than a moss, and its colour is applied during that same saline stage. The lichen is tumbled in a rotating drum and fully immersed in a bath of salted water, natural pigments and food-grade colouring, so the colour is taken up through the fibre rather than sprayed onto the surface. The colorants are 100% natural and non-toxic.
Because the pigment sits within the fibre rather than on top of it, deeply saturated tones can rub off slightly. Keep panels away from pale fabrics and light-coloured surfaces when handling and installing them.
Every plant type has a tailored method to preserve its natural beauty.
We use plant-based glycerin to naturally stabilize preserved foliage, the same ingredient found in cosmetics, food, and pharmaceutical products.
A safe and sustainable compound
Vegetable glycerin is biodegradable, odorless, colorless and non-toxic. It’s derived from oils like rapeseed during soap production and valued for its ability to retain moisture and stabilize liquids.
These properties are key in preservation, allowing us to keep plants flexible, soft and vibrant for years.
These properties are essential: they keep the plants supple, soft and vibrant for years.
Conservering zonder additieven
For foliage and branches, our solution combines pure vegetable glycerin and water, with no artificial chemicals or coatings. Mosses and lichens follow the rehydration route instead, using salted water with natural pigments and food-grade colouring.
The result: eco-responsible, safe and visually authentic products.
Glycerin is what keeps preserved plants naturally fresh and soft to the touch.
Preserved plants offer all the beauty of nature, without the hassle of watering, pruning or replacing.
Long-lasting and low-maintenance
Stabilized plants keep their shape, texture and flexibility for up to 7 years. They require no water, sunlight or treatments, making them ideal for offices, retail spaces, hospitality or any indoor environment.
They stay vibrant while reducing upkeep and operational costs over time.
They remain vibrant while reducing maintenance and operational costs.
Creative freedom for designers
Because they are maintenance-free, preserved plants can be used in ways live plants can’t: green walls, acoustic panels, furniture inlays, or vertical gardens in dimly lit areas.
This flexibility supports bold and innovative interior concepts without compromising on durability.
This flexibility enables bold interior concepts without compromising on sustainability.
Preserved plants allow design to meet nature with complete freedom.
Stabilized plants are more efficient, sustainable and durable than living decorative plants.
Higher yield, lower waste
For live plants, up to 80% are lost before installation. With preservation, that number flips: 80% of harvested plants are used, thanks to local processing right after harvest.
They don’t require transport in climate-controlled packaging or constant replacements after installation.
They require neither climate-controlled transport nor regular replacements after installation.
Zero resource use after installation
Once in place, preserved plants need no water, fertilizer or care. They last for years, reducing consumption and minimizing environmental impact.
This makes them a smart choice for eco-conscious projects with long-term visio
A relevant choice for eco-responsible projects with a long-term vision.
Preserved plants offer a more sustainable way to design with nature.