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Kombucha SCOBY Vegan Leather

Kombucha SCOBY Vegan Leather

September 29, 2020

Dehydrating various thicknesses of SCOBYs to explore material properties. Further exploring colours, textures, and water-resistant treatment options to augment intrinsic material properties for artistic and practical use cases.

So many SCOBYs to work with!

The use of a dehydrated scoby, or Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast, to make vegan leather is a innovative approach to creating a sustainable and animal-free alternative to traditional leather. The scoby, which is commonly used in the production of fermented foods such as kombucha, is composed of a complex network of bacteria and yeast cells. When dehydrated and treated with a variety of chemicals and processes, the scoby can be transformed into a flexible and durable material with a leather-like appearance.

One of the key advantages of using a scoby to create vegan leather is its sustainability. The production of traditional leather requires the processing of animal hides, which can be resource-intensive and contribute to environmental degradation. In contrast, scobies are easily cultivated and can be grown on a wide range of substrates, including agricultural waste and renewable energy sources. This makes the production of scoby-based vegan leather a more environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional leather.

In addition to its sustainability, scoby-based vegan leather also has a number of aesthetic and physical properties that make it suitable for use in a variety of artistic and commercial applications. The material is highly resistant to water and UV light, making it suitable for use in outdoor applications. It is also easy to dye and can be embossed or printed on to create a range of textures and patterns.

Overall, the use of dehydrated scoby to create vegan leather is a highly innovative approach that offers a sustainable and animal-free alternative to traditional leather. Its unique aesthetic and physical properties make it suitable for use in a wide range of artistic and commercial applications, and its sustainability makes it an attractive option for those looking to reduce their environmental impact.

SCOBY clear
Dehydrated SCOBY forms the basis of leathery yet translucent vegan material

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