Biopolyester

Beyond Sustainability into Regeneration

Biopolyester: Beyond Sustainability into Regeneration is a study focused on redefining the fashion industry’s supply chain, transitioning from a take-make-dispose linear model to a reuse-remake-revive circular model, effectively taking into consideration product’s end-of-life. By fusing design, material science, and circular principles, the research explores the potential of kombucha bacterial cellulose as a replacement of polyester in support of a circular fashion economy. The study questions the importance of traditionally used ingredients, such as table sugar,
tea, scoby, and apple cider vinegar, in the making of kombucha material (commonly referred to as ‘kombucha leather’). Instead, experiments assess the potential of wheat starch-derived glucose and a resource-conserving recipe, producing a visually pleasing and robust material. The grown material is then transformed into threads and woven into a garment, highlighting its potential for textile applications. The research underscores the pressing necessity to move beyond sustainability towards adopting a regenerative approach.

With a shared interest in regenerative biomaterials, Vanessa Song joined the Materiability Research Group as a researcher in residency in March 2024. Building on the fully bio-based kombucha threads she developed during her master’s thesis, her following research delves into the integration of kombucha threads to create a hybrid textile fabric. This involves assessing the collective influence of weaving techniques and material combinations on textural behavior.