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Malai Studio: accessories made from unique coconut leather

We have created a leather-like, durable and bio-based material that is compostable and vegan. With this campaign we present our first commercially available collection of accessories as rewards.

  • Malai braided bracelet in dark color

  • Malai tote/backpack in cumin yellow

  • unisex wallets in leafy green indigo & cutch brown

  • Unisex wallet in indigo

  • Ladies wallet in indigo & cutch brown

  • removable coin pouch inside ladies wallet

  • ladies wallet in cutch brown

  • Malai Ana pouches in madder red & leafy green

  • Malai Ana pouches (set) in leafy green

  • Malai waist Bag in dark grey

  • Malai laptop bag in cutch brown + leafy green

  • the "Robin Hood" bag in dark brown

  • Malai tote / backpack in cumin yellow

  • Malai tote / backpack in cumin yellow

  • Malai tote bag in indigo

  • Braided bracelets in dark shades

  • Tote bag designed by Libena Rochova

  • Interior object designed by Libena Rochova

  • Sandals made from Malai in Madder Red

EUR 18,458
pledged of EUR 15,000

123%

123% completed

185 contributors pledged

Technology, Ecology, Design

Cherthala, KL, Indie

???project.detail.fixedGoal??? All or nothing. Project finished on Nov 29, 2019 at 12:05.

Show all rewards

We regret that not all the rewards can reach you before Christmas however we can prepare a Christmas voucher for you. If you would like one with the purchase of your reward please let us know in the note.

For photos of rewards in HD please click on this link.

Leather has always been considered a symbol of quality and luxury. However, our rising consumption started to require materials that can be produced faster and cheaper – for example, PU and PVC. Yes, products made from these materials are affordable, but did you know that it takes more than 400 years to decompose in nature? So is it better to return to leather?

Well, even though it is still being used widely in the luxury segment, the fast changing trends are making any kind of product outdated after just a few seasons and people tend to use it on average for only 4-5 years. Moreover, leather processing is extremely chemical and energy intensive and pollutes the environment on many levels. 

So is this all worth a single handbag? Do we have to harm nature just because of fashion?

The answer is NO and we have a solution: it´s called Malai, but you can also call it the ‘coconut leather’.

Malai is a newly developed biocomposite material made from bacterial cellulose, grown on agricultural waste sourced from the coconut industry in Southern India. The word “Malai” refers directly to the creamy flesh of the coconut and it is the coconut water (a by-product from harvesting of this flesh) that sustains the bacteria whilst they are producing cellulose, which is then collected and refined until it becomes finished material: Malai.

The selection of our base ingredients is not random: it has been meticulously researched and tested over hundreds of trials and errors. Every ingredient is important for the final properties of Malai. We have committed not to add anything oil-based because we want to maintain the disposal of our materials hassle-free: we designed the end at the beginning.

 

 

Our fight for more sustainable design and production is just at the beginning and there ́s more work ahead of us. To supply our material to more customers around the globe we need to mechanize many of the processes. By having better technology we can create a better product and ultimately reduce the negative impact of fashion industry on the environment.

The core of the team consist of Zuzana Gombosova and Susmith Cs. Zuzana comes from Eastern Slovakia. She is a designer specializing in research and development of natural materials. Susmith is a product designer and mechanical engineer who comes from Kerala. Several local employees are involved in the production, but since the beginning of the project, we have been assisted by many people from all over the world (suppliers, production, trainees, external collaborators, consultants, family members...). The whole Malai team worked on the preparation of this campaign together with interns Darina Volochova and Jan Telepovsky. Special thanks go to Petra Kopaskova for the video and Tomas Chrastek for the music and also to Marie Zdráhalová for the product photos.

Working with coconuts is a risky business: one can fall on your head anytime. In addition to coconut karma, there are other challenges related to the weather and the supply of raw materials. We therefore  apologize in advance to all supporters for any possible delay in receiving the rewards. However, we'll let you know in advance and you'll be well informed about the shipment process.

News

Nov 29, 2019 We made it!

Dear backers our campaign has finished today few hours ago successfully!  Thank you all so so much for your support - we couldn't make it without your help :-)  We managed to raise 123% of the pledged amount and that's amaaaaazing! The first phase of the campaign is over, the second one begins now…

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Nov 22, 2019 New special reward added!

Dear backers thank you so much for your support so far. We have 7 more days to reach our target and only 7% more missing, yaaay!  We are glad you were able to chose something nice for yourself or your loved ones from our choice of rewards.  But maybe you have an idea to make something special that…

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Choose reward for your contribution

  • sold 15
    Support for belief - special thank you from our team members in Kerala

    Malai is not just about the material.
    Every contribution you make is highly appreciated by all our production staff as the money will ultimately be used for purchase of equipment that will make our jobs easier. Support our mission and we will send you a sincere thank you from our people in form of a photograph with a personal note. 

    Reward delivery: in a month after the Hithit project end

    EUR 8

  • remaining 271 from 300
    Malai braided bracelet

    Looking for leather-free unique accessory ?
    We suggest you try our bracelet out. This is a handmade product made by the crafty hands of ladies here in Kerala.
    It comes in 2 lengths (19cm/22cm) so you should indicate which size you are interested in.
    You can also let us know if you prefer dark color or light color version. 

    Shipping cost included. 

    Reward delivery: on address, in a quarter after the Hithit project end

    EUR 15

  • remaining 176 from 200
    Malai unisex wallet

    We wanted to create a wallet that would not be gender specific. Malai wallet has a clean design, minimal construction and plenty of space to use. 
    It has compartments for notes, cards as well as coins.
    This beauty comes in 3 color options : dark indigo, light indigo and cutch brown. 

    Shipping cost included. 

    Reward delivery: on address, in half a year after the Hithit project end

    EUR 35

  • sold 14
    Malai biocomposite material

    You like our idea, you like our materials but you were not able to chose a product you like from our rewards?
    Would you like to make your own ? 
    Why not do it then? 
    We offer you a unique opportunity to purchase Malai biocomposite sheets with a special price only during this campaign! For this ocassion all our colors and gsm have a unified price per sheet. 
    Your order can limit to 5 sheets and comes with a swatchbook containing swatches of all 9 colors we offer in our material range. 
    Please don't forget to write in a note which gsm (450 / 550 / 750) and which colors are you interested in. 
    The sheet dimension is 120 x 80 cm and it will be delivered to you in February 2020. 

    Happy creating :-) 

    Note: Shipping not incuded ( will be calculated upon volume of your order and destination) 

    Reward delivery: on address, in a quarter after the Hithit project end

    EUR 36

  • remaining 73 from 100
    Malai ladies wallet

    Looking for chic, spacious wallet with a simple design?
    This ladies wallet has compartment for cards, removable cotton coin pouch and it is available in 3 color options : indigo, cutch brown and madder red. 

    Shipping included. 

    Reward delivery: on address, in half a year after the Hithit project end

    EUR 40

  • remaining 135 from 150
    Malai flat pouch - set of 2

    Are you in need of a neat, elegant and versatile pouch for your documents, cosmetics or other small personal items?
    Bingo, this is it!
    Ana flat pouch has first been made in 2018 and since then it acquired many fans all over the world. It comes in 3 color options :
    madder red, leafy green and dark indigo.  We offer a set of 2 pouches (10x15cm, 18x25cm) in the same color with a cotton lining. 

    Shipping included. 
     

    Reward delivery: on address, in half a year after the Hithit project end

    EUR 55

  • remaining 90 from 100
    Malai waist pouch

    We couldn't reisit adding this item to the list of our rewards, can you blame us?
    This is as trendy as it gets :-)
    Practical size of this pouch allows you to carry all you valuables, ID cards, cosmetics and other small collectibles. 
    It has adjustable lenght of the cotton strap which allows you to wear it around your waist as well as cross body.
    Comes in 3 color variations : dark grey, madder red and dark indigo.

    Shipping included.
     

    Reward delivery: on address, in half a year after the Hithit project end

    EUR 65

  • remaining 68 from 75
    Malai laptop case ( up to 15 inch screen)

    Practical lap top case that can contain up to 15 inch laptop, has 3 compartments, internal small pocket, cotton lining and removable shoulder strap.
    This case comes in 2 color combinations : 
    cutch brown + leafy green, or dark indigo + light indigo. 

    Shipping included. 

    Reward delivery: on address, in half a year after the Hithit project end

    EUR 80

  • sold 2
    Sandals made from Malai

    These sandals were designed and made by two footwear designers we have been collaborating with for a longer time now.
    Both Lucie Trejtnarova and Eva Klabalova are based in Zlin, Czech Republic and both have been experimenting with the use of Malai in footwear for over a year now.
    As a matter of fact Lucie was our fisrt intern at Malai ! 
    For this campaign they prepared fresh sandas for you with the uppers material made from Malai - next summer is going to be exciting! 
    The sole is made from cork.
    These beauties are available in 3 colors - madder red, dark indigo and dark grey.
     
    You can order them in size 36 to 46. 

    Shipping included.

    Reward delivery: on address, in half a year after the Hithit project end

    EUR 80

  • sold 8
    Malai tote shoulder bag

    We have been trying to find the best shapes for a bag made from malai and it has been a long lasting quest.
    We now proudly present Malai tote bag! Lightweight, spacious, with adjustable lenght of cotton strap. This tote has cotton lining, 3 compartments, zipper closure and available in indigo or dark grey. 

    Shipping included. 

    Reward delivery: on address, in half a year after the Hithit project end

    EUR 100

  • remaining 45 from 50
    Malai "Robin Hood" bag

    This piece is quite unique bacause of its shape and fit on the body. Constructed as a classic "bucket" but made in Malai material which gives it a distinctive shape. 
    It is fully lined with cotton and has adjustable lenght of the strap.  
    You can chose chose from its variation in dark brown or cumin yellow.

    Shipping included.

    Reward delivery: on address, in half a year after the Hithit project end

    EUR 110

  • sold 18
    Malai tote / backpack

    We first made this backpack for our co-founder Zuzana at the end of 2018. She has been testing it and wearing every day since the day she received it.
    It has travelled many continents, seen monsoons, snow and dry summer heat and you know what? It still looks great!
    It can contain 13 inch laptop, has 3 compartments, cotton lining and adjustable straps that can be converted into shoulder strap as well.
    Available in dark indigo, dark grey and cumin yellow. 

    Shipping included.

    Reward delivery: on address, in half a year after the Hithit project end

    EUR 120

  • remaining 6 from 10
    Malai studio backpack + Malai unisex wallet early bird

    Be the first one to get these beauties. We are offering you an opportunity to get them already for Christmas! 

    Shipping included.
    Please don't forget to indicate the color preferences.

    Reward delivery: on address, in a month after the Hithit project end

    EUR 180

  • sold 1
    Unique object / tote designed by Libena Rochova

    Are you thinking of getting something real reaaaal special from us?
    We have a unique treat, let us tell you more :
    We have been lucky enough to collaborate with one of Czech republic's most respected fashion designers and artsist Mrs. Libena Rochova.
    She was actually one of the first designers whom we showed Malai to back in 2017!
    For our campaign Mrs. Libena prepared one of a kind design we love more and more day by day. Simple in its construction and form, this object can be used in many ways.
    Combined with an orange cotton bag and stripy strap it can be worn as a casual tote bag.
    Left on its own it aquires almost sculptural qualities and becomes a beautiful feature in your interior decor.
    Beauty truly is in simplicity and I think here is the proof of it :-)

    Shipping included. 

    Reward delivery: on address, in a quarter after the Hithit project end

    EUR 600

  • remaining 1 from 2
    The ultimate Kerala experience (10 days stay) Volume II.

    Were you planning to come and see us in Kerala but found out this reward is sold out?
    We have added two more trips to the list ;-)
    Enjoy!
    Let us take you to the place where Malai originated : Kerala. Green all year round, surrounded by beautiful beaches on the west and pristine mountain range of Western ghats on the East. Let us show you the best of this magical place, experience its culture, food and energy.
    And of course, let’s not forget Malai!
    We will show you where this material is made and give you the opportunity to become one of the very few people who visited our production unit and stayed with us here.

    This reward excluded covering cost of your airplane ticket and cost of your personal expenses. 

    Available to book from January - May or October - December 2020. 

     

    Reward delivery: in half a year after the Hithit project end

    EUR 1,000

  • Sold out!!
    Malai customised accesories

    Tell us what you would like to have made from Malai and we'll make it for you!
    This offer is limited to 3 items made according to your own design.
    We can make anything from wallets,bags, backpacks or even luggage.
    Please contact us before finalising your order (info@made-from-malai.com) to confirm details of your design.
    You can chose your products in any color from our color range.

    Shipping  included.
     

    Reward delivery: on address, in half a year after the Hithit project end

    EUR 500

  • Sold out!!
    The ultimate Kerala experience (10 days stay)

    Let us take you to the place where Malai originated : Kerala. Green all year round, surrounded by beautiful beaches on the west and pristine mountain range of Western ghats on the East. Let us show you the best of this magical place, experience its culture, food and energy.
    And of course, let’s not forget Malai!
    We will show you where this material is made and give you the opportunity to become one of the very few people who visited our production unit and stayed with us here.

    This reward excluded covering cost of your airplane ticket and cost of your personal expenses. 

    Available to book from January - May or October - December 2020. 

    Reward delivery: in half a year after the Hithit project end

    EUR 1,000

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