SKINS is a translucent biotextile developed from scoby, the by product of kombucha, and natural materials.
Designed at the intersection of art and science, it explores translucency, organic texture, and naturally derived colours, creating a soft, skin-like surface that responds beautifully to light and form. Developed in Singapore, SKINS is intended for spatial applications where material presence and atmosphere matter.
WHY SKINS EXISTS
SKINS challenges the conventional approach to flexible, translucent films, which are typically derived from petrochemicals and designed for permanence.
Instead, it uses biologically grown and naturally sourced materials. At the end of its use, the material can be broken down rather than persisting as “forever waste”, offering an alternative way of thinking about surface, lifespan, and responsibility.
FORMATS & FINISHES
SKINS is currently available in 1000 x 500mm sheets and a standard range of 6 colours in a solid pattern.
Calcium
Marine
Gum
Grass
Red Date
Tea
HOW TO USE
Soft, lightweight, and flexible. SKINS behaves like a hybrid between film and fabric — drapey rather than structural, with translucency and colour shifting depending on layering and light. It is typically applied as a surface layer, usually with a backing or internal structure. Commonly laminated, wrapped, or layered for lighting, screens, and feature surfaces.
BUY A SAMPLE
Skip to product information
$18.00 SGD
About this material
SKINS is a soft, film-like biotextile made from scoby (a by-product of kombucha fermentation) and natural binders. Subtly translucent, tactile, and full of natural variation.
Why Sample?
Sampling lets you see how colours behave in real life, and how this material bends, catches light, and behaves beyond the screen. Each sample measures approximately A5 in size and is credited towards your final production order.
What's Next?
Sample orders can be bought directly online and will ship within 2-3 weeks. When ready, move on to larger sheets, colour tweaks, or a project-specific application with us.
How to Specify: Production Orders
Production Formats
SKINS is produced to order and available in:
- Individual sheets of 1000 x 500m, 0.5mm thick
- Custom-built forms
Final format, thickness, and construction are defined based on application and project requirements.
Colour & variation
SKINS is made using biologically grown and naturally derived materials. Subtle variation in colour, translucency, and texture is inherent to the material and may occur between batches. These variations are part of its character.
Lead times
Samples: typically 2–3 weeks
Production: typically 4–8 weeks, depending on format, quantity, and level of customisation
For larger quantities or time-sensitive projects, we recommend getting in touch early.
Pricing & Minimum Orders
- Samples can be purchased directly online
- Production pricing is quoted per project. Please reach out to us at hi@wastd.world for more information
- No MOQ for samples
- Production MOQs vary by format and application
A non-binding quotation is provided once material format, quantity, and use case are confirmed.
Bespoke
We understand that concepts often call for something more specific than an off-the-shelf material. SKINS is developed as a material system rather than a fixed product. For production orders, we can customise colour, translucency, layering, and format within the limits of the material’s behaviour.
Bespoke developments are handled as design-led projects and may involve custom sampling prior to final production. Reach out to us at hi@wastd.world to get started.
Suited for interior applications where atmosphere and material presence matter. Typical uses include lighting and lampshades, screens and partitions and feature surfaces and installations.
Final suitability depends on format, scale, and environmental conditions.
SKINS carries the visual qualities of its biological origins.
Subtle irregularities, organic textures, and naturally derived colour give each surface a sense of depth and tactility. Rather than uniform flatness, the material reveals softness, variation, and light diffusion that change with use and context.
Have an idea in mind?
Reach out to us and let's get brainstorming together.
hi@wastd.world