Scoby Leather Test & Design for Educational Kit Development

Abstract

High-value natural leather is a prized material in fashion but contributes significantly to environmental pollution. Synthetic leather, widely used in fast fashion, offers an alternative with a lifespan of 1–2 years, yet its non-biodegradable nature releases pollutants. This study aims to address these issues by developing a sustainable educational kit using scoby, a biodegradable material that students can cultivate and observe in its degradation process. The kit is designed to foster eco-consciousness, enhance problem-solving skills, and promote awareness of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Preliminary experiments optimized scoby cultivation conditions, revealing that a starter solution ratio of 15% consistently produced the highest yield, although thickness measurements varied due to moisture content. Comparisons of tea types showed black tea and honeyberry red tea yielded the most scoby. Furthermore, using mother scoby weights of 5g or 9g proved more productive than 13g. The resulting educational kit targets elementary school students, offering hands-on activities to explore scoby leather's potential through creative projects. Techniques include painting, printing, gel art, foil application, three-dimensional patterns, paper cutting, Pop Art, collage, and dyeing. This experiential approach not only enhances environmental awareness but also encourages innovation and creativity in sustainable design, contributing to long-term educational and environmental goals.