Monday 17 September 2012

Fancy a cuppa?

I came across this bizarre article and though I would share this with you!

Innovative New Fabric Made from Tea and Bacteria


Yes you read that right. An innovative new fabric has been developed made entirely from tea and bacteria. Not just dyed by the natural colourings from tea leaves but grown from bacteria formulated in vats of the traditional cuppa. Fashion designers and scientists have pooled their skills, teaming up to refine the natural processes involved.
 
Innovative New Fabric Made from Tea and Bacteria
As pressures rises to ensure sourcing materials for the clothing industry is as environmentally friendly and sustainable as possible, innovative and forward thinking methods of creating yarns and fabrics are top news. Scientist Professor Freemont from Imperial College London and designer Suzanne Lee from Central Saint Martin's College of Art and Design have collaborated to produce a range of garments all created using the new process.
Green tea, sugar and nutrients are combined in a soup-like mixture. Bacteria is then added over the course of several days to form clumps of cellulose on the top of the surface which are then spun into a fabric to be used for clothing.
Once dried the fabric has similar properties as leather; tough with random surface effects and all from a humble cup of tea. It is then treated to be ready to make garments. After further tweaking of the process designer Suzanne Lee is hoping this fabric will start appearing on a high-street near you soon.

Professor Freemont commented on the project, "What Suzanne is trying to achieve has really caught our imaginations. The material she is using to make her clothes is incredible."
He continued "These are projects we need to think about because of the impending resource shortages we face and one thing we are not short on is bacteria."
So next time you sit down for a brew, marvel at the thought that soon your clothes may be made from the same leaves as in your cup!


What do you think to this?!

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