This flat-packed light by Nendo is made from a single piece of conductive paper, which can be rolled up to create a handheld torch in emergency situations.

The Paper Torch was designed by the Japanese studio alongside circuit manufacturer AgIC and paper company Takeo.

It's made from a type of synthetic paper called Yupo, which has been printed with a checkerboard pattern in a conductive ink made up of silver particles to form a circuit board.

"After testing various types of paper, we selected Yupo paper by Takeo, which is used in the ballot paper for elections," said Nendo.

"With Yupo paper, ink sits evenly and the smooth surface ensures the ink and paper can be rounded with minimal force, and are less likely to curl. The paper is also hardwearing, water resistant and therefore also suitable for industrial applications."

Two buttons – to switch the light on and off – were glued onto the circuit board with a conductive adhesive, along with seven small LEDs. The intensity of the light depends on how tightly the paper is rolled.

"The resistance was changed by varying the path length of each LED by adjusting how tight you roll the paper, enabling the lighting to be controlled," explained the studio. "The longer the path the higher the resistance, conversely the shorter the path the lower the resistance."

The LEDs also appear a different colour depending on which way the paper is rolled. If the torch is rolled so the LEDs are uncovered by other portions of the paper, they emit a warm orange-toned glow, but if rolled so that the LEDs are obscured by other parts of the sheet, they appear to emit more of a bright white light.

Its flexible nature means the lamp can be used in a number of ways, but Nendo envisages it being used as a tool in emergencies and disaster prevention in the future.

Nendo, led by designer Oki Sato, recently revealed a soy seasoning dispenser to rival the iconic red-topped Kikkoman bottle.

While known for its unrelenting output of products, the Japanese design studio has also recently been working on architectural projects, including a department store in Bangkok and a public square in Kyoto.

Nendo was the highest-ranking design studio on 2016's Dezeen Hot List, a data-based power ranking of the industry's most influential names.