How can we make kombucha and use it too?


The Approach:


The history of synthetic materials traces back to 1869 when John Wesley Hyatt introduced the first synthetic polymer as an alternative to ivory. While plastics revolutionized industries—from wartime production to consumer goods, they also led to a global environmental crisis, with only 5% of plastic waste being recycled and microplastics infiltrating ecosystems and human health.

At Booch Lab, we believe the next material frontier lies in microbial biotechnology. Just as microbes have been used for millennia in food, medicine, and biofuels, they can now help us rethink materials, waste, and sustainability. Booch Lab is a biomaterial innovation lab and kombucha microbrewery: a space where foodies, engineers, artists, and scientists come together to explore the intersection of fermentation, material science, and circular economies.

We structured Booch Lab around a low-waste, circular production model:

  • Kombucha Community: Guests can experience kombucha tastings, brewing workshops, and urban agritech systems that provide fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
  • Microbial Cellulose Innovation: Instead of discarding the SCOBY biofilm produced during fermentation, we harvest it for plastic and leather production.
  • Biofilm Textures: By integrating organic waste (e.g., eggshells, cardboard, plant fibers), we enhance rigidity, flexibility, and durability
  • Biofilm Colors: Adding natural pigments like rose petals, algae, and charcoal create aesthetic, vibrant, and compostable alternatives to synthetic plastics.


Key Contributions:



  • Research & Ideation – Conducted material studies and market research to explore sustainable applications for microbial cellulose.
  • Visualizations – Designed digital renderings, process diagrams, and branding materials to communicate the lab’s mission and workflow.
  • Video Production – Developed narrative-driven videos and multimedia content to showcase the project’s research, impact, and potential for scalability.


In collaboration with Leah Hughes and Divya Srinivasan