Grown by bacteria.
Shaped by us.
From a living culture to a workable material, we refine bacterial cellulose for clothing and accessories.
Explore the processGrowth
Day 0 to 3
Growth begins in a nutrient-rich liquid
Komagataeibacter xylinus bacteria use sugars and nutrients to grow and produce fine cellulose fibres. An initial film begins to form at the liquid’s surface, where oxygen is available.
Day 3 to 7
Cellulose fibres build a growing network
The bacteria continue releasing cellulose fibres, which intertwine into a delicate mesh. As more cellulose accumulates, the surface film becomes more continuous.
Day 7 to 11
The network thickens into a wet sheet
New cellulose reinforces the existing network, forming a thicker, water-rich sheet at the liquid–air interface. The bacteria remain active while nutrients and oxygen are available.
Around day 14
The wet sheet is ready to harvest
Once the sheet reaches the desired thickness, it is lifted from the liquid. It is then cleaned to remove bacterial cells and nutrient residues, and thoroughly rinsed before further processing.
- Elapsed
- 0.0 d
- Cells per mL
- 2.0 × 105
- Mat thickness
- 0.00 mm
- Water content
- 99 %
Material
From wet cellulose to a leather-like material
Fresh from the tray, the cellulose sheet is soft, translucent and rich in water. After cleaning, softening and controlled drying, it becomes a denser, flexible material with a leather-like feel.
- Thickness
- 11.4 mm
- Weight
- 2 940 g/m²
- Tensile strength
- 4 MPa
- Light transmission
- 62 %
- Sheet size
- 52 × 74 cm
Making
Mark
Five pieces from one 52 × 74 cm sheet. Offcuts go back into the pulp.Cut
A rotary blade, the same as any coated textile. No skiving.Fold
The gusset takes a crease at 90° and holds it without heat.Stitch
Zigzag on a walking-foot machine, size 90 needle, linen thread.Finish
Edges burnished, hardware set, waxed by hand.Applications
One material.
Many possibilities.
From bags and clothing to furniture and lighting, bacterial cellulose can take many forms. Each application calls for its own thickness, flexibility and finish.