Tômtex, a flexible bio-material created by Vietnamese designer Uyen Tran from seafood waste, is a substitute to leather that can be embossed with a variety of designs. The word “Tôm” in its name, which in Vietnamese means “shrimp,” alludes to the leftover food that is combined with coffee grounds to make the textile. The biodegradable fabric is strong yet delicate enough to be hand- or machine-stitched.
Using food waste, a plentiful natural resource, Tran created a leather substitute in an effort to accomplish two goals at once. The global food and beverage business produces up to eight million tons of leftover shellfish shells and 18 million tons of leftover coffee grounds per year. The world is running out of raw material so Tran aims to recycle these wastes into a new, usable bio-material for daily life to enable people better comprehend the issue and help bring about changes. The designer is now living in New York but she works with a Vietnamese supplier who collects used fish scales, shrimp, crab, and lobster shells in order to extract a biopolymer known as chitin from them.
This substance which can be found in the shells of arthropods and insects. Materials contain it both tough and pliable at the same time. Tran combines chitin with waste coffee from her own kitchen and from local cafes to create garment leather for Tômtex. The mixture is dyed using natural pigments like charcoal, coffee and ochre to create different color options.
After being poured into the mold, the mixture is allowed to air dry for two days at room temperature. Since no heat is needed for the process, it uses less energy and has a smaller carbon footprint. Tran, as the designer, creates her own molds out of clay or by using a 3D printing technique, as opposed to leaving the material in a smooth one.



This enables her to design her own finishes, which can imitate the appearance of crocodile or snakeskin leather as well as more abstract decorations. Tômtex can reproduce any textured surface and can be made to look like leather, rubber, or plastic by changing the production process and recipe. Therefore, packaging, interior, and industrial design are additional potential uses along with fashion.
Additionally, the finished product has a built-in water resistance that can be improved by applying a beeswax topcoat. When a Tômtex product reaches the end of its useful life, Tran asserts that it can either be recycled or permitted to decompose naturally.
Tômtex can be used as plant fertilizer if it is dumped in a landfill because it will completely biodegrade there in a few months.
Subway, the world’s largest sandwich chain, is set to embark on a massive expansion plan in China, opening nearly 4,000 new stores in the country. This move will significantly increase Subway’s footprint in China, expanding it by more than seven times its current size.
The Michelin Guide, which began as a humble travel companion for motorists, has evolved into an iconic gastronomic authority. It continues to provide valuable recommendations and celebrate culinary excellence worldwide. The guide’s rigorous assessment criteria, dedicated inspectors, and unwavering commitment to quality and reliability have solidified its status as an indispensable resource for food enthusiasts and travelers alike. Let’s delve into the fascinating story behind the guide’s inception and explore the meticulous process that determines the coveted Michelin stars.
The culinary scene in Vietnam has reached new heights with the unveiling of the inaugural MICHELIN Guide Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City. A total of 103 exceptional restaurants have been recognized for their outstanding cuisine, including four coveted MICHELIN Stars.
Microsoft has agreed to pay $20 million to settle charges brought against it by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for violating children’s privacy rights. The FTC accused the tech giant of illegally collecting personal information from children without parental consent through its Xbox gaming system.
Grab, the Singapore-based technology company, has come under scrutiny in Vietnam due to its financial practices. Recent revelations regarding substantial losses, unpaid taxes, and questionable financial transactions have raised concerns about Grab Vietnam’s operations and their impact on the Vietnamese economy.
According to Lonely Planet, Vietnam The Reunification Express is the most spectacular train journey in the world. Check out the link below to discover the whole list of Lonely Planet’s top rail excursions from around the world which gives you a unique perspective on various destinations.
By Rotation, a U.K.-based clothing rental app, is on a mission to combat the harmful effects of fast fashion by promoting peer-to-peer clothing rental as a mainstream practice in the United States. The startup recently expanded its services to the U.S. market and aims to establish a strong presence in New York City before expanding to other major cities next year.
In a turn of events for the crypto market, Bitcoin experienced a decline on Wednesday, marking its first down month of the year. The optimism that had fueled a rally surrounding the debt ceiling began to fizzle, causing the leading cryptocurrency to lose 2.77% and trade at $27,057.81, according to Coin Metrics. Ether, the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, also slipped 2.2% to $1,865.82.
The renowned chipmaker Nvidia has reached a significant milestone in its history by achieving a market capitalization of $1 trillion. This accomplishment places Nvidia in an elite group of companies on Wall Street, becoming only the ninth globally and the sixth currently holding such a distinction.
Codeword, a leading tech-marketing agency, has made history by hiring the world’s first AI interns. Aiden and Aiko, the AI interns, have been brought on board for a three-month trial internship, where they will work alongside Codeword’s team of 106 people. Aiko will be part of the design team, while Aiden will work with the editorial team.
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Cultural differences between the East and the West
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Vietnam received recognition in the 29th World Travel Awards in numerous categories
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Vietnamese dishes that fascinate foreigners
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First NFT vending machine in the world is now operational in New York
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The LEGO Group today began construction on a new $1 billion factory in Binh Duong, Vietnam
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