New stretch target
Getting a Patent for our unique coating will cost £7000, any extra money raised will go towards this goal.
We're launching a sustainable, vegan and plastic-free leather alternative.
Getting a Patent for our unique coating will cost £7000, any extra money raised will go towards this goal.
Vegan | Zero-waste | Sustainable | Plastic-free | No harsh chemicals
echocella is a young start-up looking to launch our first product; the echocella brand of Kombucha Leather.
Why is echocella kombucha leather a project you should support?
What is kombucha leather?
It is a bio-fabric grown during the production of a fermented tea called Kombucha. The cultures form a cellulose layer, (aka. SCOBY) over the drink. This layer is then harvested and finished with our unique waterproof coating to make the echocella brand of kombucha leather.
What can it be used for?
echocella leather would currently suit projects such as; clothing, jewellery, bags, belts, wallets and bound-notebooks. We are also working on a reinforced leather which would make it more suitable for harder wearing projects such as upholstery and shoes.
How can I get my hands on it?
Initially, our plan is to manufacture and supply the material directly to designers. The echocella team will be focusing on things like checking PH levels, playing with dyes and making sure each piece is evenly coated. So we'll leave the product designing to the experts.
So far we've had interest from designers who would like to use the product, either to replace animal or plastic-based leathers. But first we'll need a cash injection and further R&D to ensure everything is in place before we can agree to any orders.
We're fundraising through the RBS 'Back Her Business' scheme; which means the more donations we receive, the more match-funding we can unlock.
(Image: coin purse prototype made from echocella kombucha leather in Turmeric, backed onto orange faux suede fabric)
Up to this point echocella has been entirely self-funded through various part-time jobs, so we're running a 'keep it all' crowdfunder.
Here's what your money can help buy;
The remainder of the target will be spread between labour costs, continued research and development, marketing and legal costs.
Stretch Funding
If this crowdfund hits its target, any extra cash will go towards the £7,000 cost of protecting our unique coating with a patent.
Beyond textiles, the raw material has also been researched for it's promising applications across medicine, architecture, packaging and more. Our eventual goal is to combine our manufacturing technology with this cutting-edge research, and produce more sustainable bio-solutions.
echocella is a bio-materials manufacturer based in Glasgow. Founded by Artist and Maker, Kayleigh Handley, the one-woman operation is currently based in her Glasgow flat. As the start-up expands it is being supported by Business Gateway & Scottish Enterprise, as well as finding academic assistance through Interface. She has also sought additional guidance on the project from specialists in the fields of; Kombucha brewing, bio-chemistry, engineering, business consultancy and textiles manufacture.
This project offers rewards in return for your donation.