Everything You Need to Know About Pine Tree Needles... And how to use them for Home Decor and Utility Products

What are pine tree needles?

Pine needles are the long, slender leaves that grow in clusters on pine trees. Found mostly in hilly and mountainous regions, these needles naturally fall to the forest floor throughout the year. While they’re a vital part of the ecosystem, in many places they’re considered a nuisance because they build up quickly and create a fire hazard if not managed properly.

Pine Needle work for Ombak

Where are pine needles found?

Pine trees grow across temperate and subtropical regions of the world, from North America to Europe and large parts of Asia. In India, pine forests cover vast stretches of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and parts of the Northeast. In these hilly states, villagers and forest communities have dealt with the challenges and opportunities presented by pine needles for generations.

When are pine needles collected?

Pine needles shed throughout the year, but collection usually peaks during the dry summer months when the risk of forest fires is highest. Local communities and forest workers often gather fallen needles to clear forest floors and reduce fire hazards. Instead of burning or discarding them, these needles can be turned into useful raw material.

Trial Runs with Pine Needle

Who uses pine needles - and why?

Traditionally, villagers have used pine needles for animal bedding, fuel, and compost. In recent years, designers, environmentalists, and small industries have discovered their potential for making eco-friendly products - from biodegradable packaging to handcrafted decor and even fuel briquettes. By putting pine needles to good use, communities earn extra income while also protecting forests from fire.

Why do pine needles matter today?

With growing concerns about sustainability, people are searching for alternatives to plastics and unsustainable raw materials. Pine needles are abundant, renewable, and naturally water-resistant, making them an excellent resource for eco-friendly products. By creating value from what was once waste, they help support local livelihoods and promote responsible forest management.

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Pine Needle Product Sets for a client

How is Ombak involved?

At Ombak, we’ve always looked for ways to turn nature’s overlooked resources into thoughtful, sustainable products. That’s why we’ve partnered with an NGO based in Himachal Pradesh that works closely with local communities in pine forests. Together, we collect fallen pine needles and transform them into innovative home decor and utility items. This collaboration not only prevents forest fires but also creates new earning opportunities for rural families, especially women and youth who help gather, clean, and process the needles.

By using pine needles alongside other alternative materials like water hyacinth, banana fiber, and seagrass, Ombak stays committed to designing beautiful, practical pieces that tread lightly on the planet - while giving communities a reason to protect and care for their forests.

Pine needles may seem small, but in the right hands, they can become a powerful way to combine traditional knowledge, local livelihoods, and modern design. At Ombak, we’re proud to be part of this journey - one pine needle at a time.

Pine Needle Soap Trays in the making

If you're curious on how you can use Pine Needle in your projects, don't hesitate to contact us. :)