Kombucha leather

Kombucha isn't just a refreshing summer probiotic drink!

In the process of making kombucha, a cellulose material is produced, better known as a scoby. With appropriate processing, it acquires leather-like properties. In this form, it can be used for various creative projects, such as making clothes and fashion accessories, lampshades, or jewelry. Biomaterials like scoby leather offer sustainable alternatives to conventional materials. They are derived from renewable sources and biodegradable processes. With their reduced carbon footprint and potential health benefits, biomaterials support efforts for a circular economy and environmentally responsible practices. Research and development in biomaterials are crucial for addressing sustainability challenges and promoting a more sustainable and socially responsible approach to material design and production.

In the workshop, we will learn how to prepare kombucha and scoby through a simple process. Together, we will plan leather products and, once the scoby has grown, we will also create them during the workshop.

Duration: 2 sessions of 3 hours each

• Thursday, June 13, from 5 pm to 8 pm
• Thursday, July 11, from 5 pm to 8 pm

During the first session, we will start with the preparation of kombucha, familiarize ourselves with the fermentation process and alternative scoby leather, and plan our final product together. The second session will take place 1 month later, when the scoby has grown enough for us to create products from it during the workshop.

Prerequisites:

NO, no prior knowledge is required. The workshop is intended for adults who are interested in sustainable development, design, and the development and use of new sustainable biomaterials.

About the mentors:

The workshop will be led by Sašo Jakob, a student of biochemistry who wants to explore the intersections of science and design in all possible forms. Maruša Ramšak, the head of the green lab, is a biotechnologist who has researched synthetic biology at the National Institute of Chemistry. She loves nature, enjoys gardening, and is enthusiastic about everything fermented.

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The meeting of participants is 15 minutes before the agreed time in the entrance hall of the Rog Center. Please store personal belongings in the locker room before the start of the program. Do not be late for the program. In case of delay, entry is not guaranteed - after the start of the creative process, it is no longer possible to join!

The workshop will be conducted with a minimum of 6 registrations. In case of non-execution, you will be informed at least two days before the start of the program.

In case of non-attendance, fees will not be refunded, nor is it possible to change the date. Participation can be transferred to another person, please inform us at least 24 hours before the start at the email address: zeleni@center-rog.si.