Malai
Malai.eco is a biomaterial design studio from India/Slovakia developing sustainable alternatives to leather and synthetic materials using bacterial cellulose grown from coconut water waste. Rooted in material research, craft collaboration, and circular design, the brand combines biotechnology with traditional knowledge systems to create biodegradable materials and products for fashion, interiors, and design applications. Through partnerships with artisans and global designers, Malai.eco explores materials as cultural, sensory, and ecological experiences while promoting regenerative production and responsible consumption.
Malai.eco presents a series of new material developments created at its R&D studio, including the latest Malai Pure variants and prototypes exploring their applications across fashion, textiles, and objects. The exhibition premieres the Armadillo textile tapestry developed in collaboration with Khadi handloom weavers from Kannur, Kerala, alongside experimental biocomposite and textile samples. A selection of interior–oriented objects created through traditional South Indian craft techniques, including koodai and palm frond weaving, demonstrates both loom and off–loom possibilities of the materials as expressive and adaptable design matter. Participation enabled by grant from Vinne Municipality, Slovakia.
