Scientists have created a new kind of vegan leather made entirely from the mushroom root that feels and even smells like real leather and is expected to be used commercially by next year.
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Reported first by FastCompany, the material is called Mylo and it is made from mycelium -- the root-like part of the mushrooms. The material is the creation of Bolt Threads, a materials solution company that’s looking across natural and sustainable materials.
They teamed up with a company that grows mycelium indoors in stacked trays. The rooms are climate controlled that simulate conditions that this organism grows in, in the forest. The fungi grows on sawdust -- essentially sourced from the wood industry and once fully grown, mycelium looks a lot like a marshmallow layer in the tray.?
This is then processed with a set of proprietary steps that are top secret. Post this, the material goes to the tannery, just like regular leather. The company has carefully partnered with tanneries that emphasise on sustainability and use a method that eliminates toxic chemicals like chromium. But since it’s not an actual animal hide, it also requires quite a little processing, to begin with.
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As of now, the company has produced over 5,000 iterations of the material, The final version gets the classic leather texture embossed, making it hard to differentiate from the real thing. According to the researchers, the feel is a lot more natural and unlike plastic or synthetic alternatives.?
The company has shared samples with brands like Adidas, Lululemon, Kering for feedback on creating sustainable footwear and accessories. Lululemon designers have made a yoga mat using the vegan leather, with the help of woven pattern, and Adidas is expected to release a Stan Smith concept sneaker. As of now, the material is only available in black.?
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Another challenge the company has come across is the production, as they’re trying to streamline its mass production amidst driving more traction for its sale.?
Dan Widmaier, founder and CEO of Bolt Threads said in a conversation with FastCompany, “It’s not a pair of shoes on everybody’s feet—it doesn’t get that far. But it gets you much further in products being out there for consumers to buy, interact with over time. Our burden to bear is to make that number way bigger, as fast as we can, to serve the many customers who want access to Mylo and sustainable material alternatives.”
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