Mushroom Leather The Fungi Future of Fashion
California-based materials innovation company, Bolt Threads, are leading the way in creating a vastly more sustainable, yet physically superior and more durable fungi-based alternative to traditional cow leather.
The company has been making waves in the fashion industry with their innovative approach to biomaterials. The latest of which, Mylo Unleather, was unveiled in 2021, and has been a hit with major brands such as Adidas and Stella McCartney.
“This could change everything.” – The New York Times
Traditional leather production produces roughly as much greenhouse gas as the United States, uses mass amounts of toxic chemicals and water, and contributes heavily to deforestation, ocean dead zones and greenhouse gas emissions.
10.6% of global greenhouse gas emissions (equivalent to the annual GHG emissions of the United States) 35.4% of earth’s habitable land, and over 70% of rainforest deforestation in South America, along with widespread destruction of vital ecosystems, is attributed to raising cattle, which is where most leather comes from.
“A major step forward in the fight to make fashion an industry that’s kinder to the planet.” – The Evening Standard
Mylo, on the other hand, uses 100% renewable resources to power their vertical farming facilities. Their mycelium is grown from renewable biological sources including water, air, and a compostable substrate.
The unique microscopic structure of their fungi cells is similar to collagen fibres found in animals, so it can mimic the properties of animal-based materials by providing a natural warmth that is missing from synthetic or cellulosic materials.
The mycelium cultures used are also, by nature, infinitely renewable.
The process starts with growing mycelium cells on beds of renewable, organic matter in their facilities. From this, billions of cells grow to form complex interlaced 3D networks of strands, which are then processed, tanned and dyed.
“This is the future of fashion.” – Vogue
The exciting developments in this field are however not just limited to Mylo. Several other fashion brands are now exploring the use of natural biomaterial alternatives, in a mission to significantly reduce the amount of waste accumulated in the fashion industry.
As more consumers become aware of the environmental and ethical impacts of traditional materials, investment opportunities will continue to grow and the market will continue to develop strength.
Mylo is leading the way in demonstrating the wonders of natural materials for application on an industrial scale, paving the way towards a cleaner future.
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