Egyptian designer Aya Moug is reviving papyrus, the Nile sedge once used for writing, baskets, and boats, as a material for making contemporary furniture. Moug explored the plant’s historical uses and material properties, including its strength and naturally adhesive sap. After two years of research, she developed Byblos, a clay-like biomaterial made from papyrus fibers that can be molded or cast. Moug has since incorporated the material into her work, which draws on Egyptian history and symbolism. Her creations include the Shen tables, the Mooy collection inspired by the hieroglyph for water, and Ze+MET, which nods to ancient cat-legged chairs. Because papyrus regrows quickly and filters water pollutants, Moug sees it as a renewable alternative to wood and argues for its wider cultivation. Through her company Papyri, she is exploring wider applications for Byblos, including for architectural surfaces and interiors.