Malai is a sustainable and biocomposite material made from organic bacterial cellulose.
Malai is 'grown' on agricultural waste sourced from the coconut industry in Southern India.
The Malai researchers work with local farmers and processing units, collecting waste coconut water (which would otherwise be dumped) and repurpose it to feed the bacteria’s cellulose production.
One small coconut-processing unit can collect 4000 litres of water per day, which they can use to make 320 sq. metres of Malai.
The material is flexible and its texture feels similar to leather; it is also water resistant and biodegradable.
To view more about Malia, visit their website.
© Malai
