Can you imagine your next leather jacket being made out of mushrooms? Hi Everyone! Welcome back! Today, we will be discussing Mushroom Leather. Forward-thinking people are unlocking the potential for planet-friendly alternatives in fashion.
So, what is mushroom leather? Well, Bolt Threads has created Mylo, a material made from mycelium, a type of fungus. Mycelium has always been renewable and an ecological natural resource. They have engineered a vertical farming facility powered by 100% renewable energy to grow mycelium. Mylo is the best environmentally conscious alternative to animal leather. I have been waiting for a good alternative for quite some time; I’m glad a successful one was finally found!
They create this “Mylo” by taking mycelium cells and further growing them on beds of renewable, organic matter. This causes billions of cells to grow and form a 3D network. They then process this result, tan, and dye it to create their final product, Mylo.
Bolt threads has partnershipped with Stella McCartney, Adidas, lululemon, and Kering. They say they chose which brands to partner with based on “mission alignment, high standards of quality, and the ability to scale worldwide.” Stella McCartney says that since they launched their brand, they have been committed to “never compromising on desirability or sustainability.” I just love a brand that makes a bold statement and actually abides by it; howa inspiring. They also have multiple pages on their website about sustainability within their brand. Stella McCartney has a whole line using Mylo material. They said, “These rare, exclusive Mylo™️ pieces embody our shared commitment with Bolt Threads to innovate a kinder fashion industry – one that sees the birth of beautiful, luxurious materials as opposed to the deaths of our fellow creatures and planet.”
However, Bolt Threads isn't the only brand that uses mycelium to create leather. MycoWorks is another company that develops leather substitutes made from mushrooms. They use fine mycelium as their main ingredient in this leather they call, Reishi. The former CEO of Hermes, Patrick Thomas, is on the board of MycoWorks, and Hermes now uses their creation to develop Hermes products. MycoWorks announced they will partner with Hermes to use their product, Reishi, in Hermes handbags. That is so interesting! I did a research project on Hermes' business model and how sustainability plays a huge role in its core business model (blog post to come on that soon). I am already familiar with all that Hermes is doing to incorporate sustainability into their brand. Still, I have just recently learned about them using mushroom leather, which I think is so cool! I am so intrigued by the innovative invention of mushroom leather. Maybe now I can have a reason to buy a Hermes bag… just kidding, but I wish.
Stay Curious! Signing off with a smile.
-Savannah
Sources:
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/this-mushroom-leather-is-being-made-into-hermes-handbags/
Comments