Nendo Creates a Paper Flashlight

Japanese design studio Nendo has collaborated with flexible circuit manufacturer AgIC and paper distributor Takeo to create a flashlight called Paper-Torch. The flashlight utilizes AgIC’s printed silver-particle ink to create a checkered pattern of circuits on both sides of Takeo’s Yupo paper—a thick, water-resistant paper used for ballots during elections. “With YUPO paper, ink sits evenly, and the smooth surface ensures the ink and paper can be rounded with minimal force, [making it] less likely to curl,” Nendo writes on its product page.

Two button cell batteries and seven LED light modules are attached to the paper via a conductive adhesive. The LEDs are arranged into a staggered zig-zag pattern along the squares to allow for different light intensities. Rolling the paper up closes the circuit loop in order to provide various levels of illumination: If the paper is rolled loosely, the LEDs are farther apart and the torch with emit a dimmer glow; if the paper is rolled tightly, the LEDs are close together and will emit a brighter light.

The torch can also emit both warm and cool color temperatures depending on how it is rolled. If the paper is rolled with the LEDs pointing inward, Paper-Torch will produce a warmer color temperature due to how the modules interact with the paper. Rolling it inside-out will emit light with a cooler color temperature.

Paper-Torch can also be configured as a table lamp or pendant if attached to a stand or suspension cable. Nendo says potential future applications for this product include emergency use and disaster prevention.