Malai Biocomposite - a novel plant based and home compostable alternative to animal leather

malai biomaterials design pvt. ltd.

2021

PRIZE

  • Remediation Prize
  • Beneath the Surface Prize
Contents

Video

Description

Malai is a novel biocomposite material based on Bacterial Cellulose grown on waste water from Coconut processing industry in South India and natural fibres from Banana stem, Hemp and Sisal. Its look and feel is similar to leather however it is completely plant based. It is home compostable, vegan and free from oil-based ingredients. The material is suitable for making accessories, light footwear and interior objects.

Story

India is world third largest cultivator of Coconuts. Every day a small coconut processing unit disposes of cca 4000 litres of water from mature coconuts in process of preparation of coconut oil. This water is discarded as waste and released into the drainage. We collect this water and feed it to a bacteria that ferments on it and produces Bacterial Cellulose. We developed a process for refining this Bacterial Cellulose into sheets of strong, flexible and water resistant material that has feel and properties similar to animal leather. Production of animal leather is on of the most polluting industries in the world and fashion, footwear and automotive companies all around the world are looking for replacement and better alternatives. Malai biocomposite can be processed using same machinery used for leather in order to make products like accessories, light footwear or interior product from it. It is home compostable, vegan and doesn't contain any oil-based ingredients.

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Judge’s Comments

Ana Laura Cantera

Bioelectronic artist, researcher and professor at UNTREF University

Remediation Prize

The proposal is very interesting and it considers all the stages of the circular economy. It has lots of advantages, considering that the biocomposite helps to reduce the acidification of soils in India. You have some designs which are already solved as well as some processes of materials. It will be enriching if you have the option to offer the waterproof biomaterial instead of giving the task of sealing the biomaterials by themselves to those who consume the products. This fact would give you a plus and more quality considering that without any protection the bacterial cellulose is vulnerable to the environment humidity.

David Benjamin

Founding Principal of The Living and Associate Professor at Columbia Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation

Beneath the Surface Prize

This project is a striking physical product and a powerful demonstration of transforming waste into a valuable resource. The innovative, plant-based material grown from bacteria and agricultural waste is functional, beautiful, and sustainable. It is a compelling combination of bio-design and bio-fabrication. Novel, bio-based materials are essential for the circular economy. This project engages local conditions and waste as well as a global community of bio-material exploration. Its partnership with coconut processing industry is an impressive model for other circular materials and products. I can’t wait to see this material scale up! I wonder if will have to adapt as it shifts to other regions of the world with other types of agricultural waste. I also wonder if the project could address good “circular jobs” and “green jobs” as it expands in production capacity. And I wonder if the performance of the material can be calibrated for additional applications, including building facades. I’m looking forward to following the progress!

Winners