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.

How is Malai different from leather materials?

Malai isn’t identical to leather nor does it intend to be so. This material is made from natural fibres and Bacterial Cellulose. In comparison with animal leather it has stiffer temper (little more similar to veg tan leather), it has less tensile strength and less resistant to abrasion.

Where will the products for this campaign be made?

All our materials are made in South India - Kerala. The braided bracelets will be made by ladies who live nearby our production unit in Kerala. Bags, backpacks and wallets will be made in Chennai by our trusted partner Leatherhunte pvt. Ltd. - a certified leather goods manufacturer.. The products made in collaboration with Czech designers Lucie and Mrs. Libena will be made at their ateliers in Czech Republic.

How do I take care of my Malai products ?

That’s a wonderful question! We firmly believe that the right kind of material care can prolong the life of your product and keep it in good condition for years to come. Apply beeswax / carnauba wax on your Malai products regularly Do not wash in washing machine. If your product gets dirty wipe it with a damp cloth and let dry. Do not expose products extreme weather conditions ( extreme heat, extreme humidity).

How can I dispose of the product when I no longer need it ?

We will enclose instructions on how to dispose of your products to every Malai product sent. The malai material and cotton parts are fully compostable, metal zippers and trimmings are recyclable. No plastics are used.

How about the durability of the material? Will it fall apart while I wear it?

No, it will not fall apart :-) Provided you take proper care of your material it will last you in a good condition for years. It is difficult to predict how many years exactly because malai is new here and we’re just testing it.

What is the return policy with your products?

We sincerely hope there won’t be a reason to do that. However shall that occur we will accept products from you back and will refund you full price only in case you receive them already with a physical damage and you have a photo proof of it. We do not accept products back if they have : slightly different shade than shown in our color palette photo ( we use natural dyes and that’s why it is necessary to take possible 10% color difference in shade into account) or if they are different than you imagined.

Are your products water resistant?

Yes, they are water resistant but not waterproof. If your product gets wet no panic. Simple dry it with a cloth, let dry on air. You can apply beeswax / carnauba wax afterwards to moisturise it.

How much water does malai making consume ?

For making 1 m sq. of malai you need on average 25-30 l of water. We reuse 90% of this water in the process ( starting the production with light colors continuing to dark shades and then filtering the remaining dye out). Whatever is not reused get used for watering the plants in our lawn :-) We do not pollute the water with any chemicals, we are integrating Malai making in the water cycle.

What’s your take on sustainability?

Our idea of sustainability is that the product - once no longer used, should go back to where it originated from. It should be easily broken down back to its constituent elements in least possible time, continue being food for microorganisms and eventually reach the state where it can be assimilated by plants and trees ( compost). This is how Malai doesn’t take a toll on the environment. As our CTO Susmith explain : “If you are to model sustainability - reuse and recycling equals accumulation. The best way of doing things is to close the loop. So when you are done using malai, don’t throw it, place it in a compost.”

Can you prepare a Christmas voucher for the rewards?

Yes, absolutely! We are sorry about not being able to deliver most of the rewards any sooner. However we can prepare a beautiful Christmas voucher for you! Please let us know in a note if you are interested in one.

Where can I see the photos of rewards in HD?

Please click on this link which will direct you to our Google drive folder with photos : https://drive.google.com/open?id=1ee94YJzmj9Pe8Y7h7ggyDTtM7dbRUgLz

EUR 18,458
pledged of EUR 15,000

123%

123% completed

185 contributors pledged

Technology, Ecology, Design

Cherthala, KL, Indie

All or nothing. Project finished on Nov 29, 2019 at 12:05.

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