What is mushroom leather? It is a type animal-source free new generation leather replacement made from mushroom.

1. 100% vegan
2. Favored by fashions
3. Sustainable , Eco !

Mushroom leather is a vegan-friendly material used as a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to animal leather. Mushroom leather is made from mycelium, the vegetative part of a fungus. A fungus (or fungi-plural) is any member of the group of eukaryotic organisms.

In this post, you’ll find more details. Let’s dive right in! :))

——- What exactly is “Mushroom Leather”? ——-

In place of traditional animal leather, a more sustainable and friendlier to the environment substance known as mushroom leather is becoming more popular. Mycelium, which is the vegetative component of a fungus, is used in the production of mushroom leather. Any organism that belongs to the kingdom of eukaryotic creatures is referred to as a fungus, or fungi in the plural form.

1. Eukaryotic organisms

Microorganisms like fungi and yeasts, as well as larger organisms like mushrooms, fall within the category of eukaryotic creatures. The kingdom inhabited by fungi is distinct from those inhabited by other types of life that may be found on our planet, such as plants and animals. As a result of this, mushrooms possess special powers.

“Mushrooms connect the afterlife with the present, chaos with shape, and vitality with matter. According to Paul Stamets, an American mycologist and author of the best-selling book “Fantastic Fungi: How Mushrooms Can Heal, Shift Consciousness, and Save the Planet,” our ancestors consumed a variety of mushrooms as they traveled between continents, which resulted in an increase in the size of their brain as well as an increase in their cognitive output. This was stated by Paul Stamets.

2. Structure

Although the material is derived from mushrooms, we are able to produce its rigid patented material through the engineering of mycelium cells as they grow into three-dimensional structures. These structures are so densely intertwined with one another that they produce a tough material that we call Fine Mycelium. The material is comparable to regular leather in terms of its performance, as well as its durability and strength.

3. Surface Finish

The mushroom is tanned and treated so that it has the appearance and texture of the distinctive grain of animal leather. According to Frances Solá-Santiago, who writes for Refinery29, the end product is a leather that is treated using chemistry that does not include the use of chromium, which is a chemical that is prevalent in effluent from tanneries.

——- How Mushroom Leather is Made? ——-

1. History

The year 2012 marks the beginning of the concept of producing a material similar to leather from mushroom. R&D engineers Product designers Philip Roa Jonas E began experimenting with homeware goods created from mycelium around that period. They quickly learn that this organic substance may be used in a wide variety of applications.

2. Step 1 is Mushroom

When the mycelium has fully developed, it is placed inside of bags. The bags are where the fungus begin their colonization of the compound. After this stage, the production of mycelium leather takes simply time and very little care from the maker. The duration of the developing phase is around several weeks.

3. Manufacturing Process

At the moment, there are a few different approaches of making mushroom leather. For instance, the manufacturer has the ability to change the feel of the material as well as the color as they are compressing it. The finished product may appear and look like and touch like natural leather by just adding colors or modifying the pressing form. This includes cow leather, alligator skin, and even python skin. At long last, the mushroom leather has been fully cured and is now ready for usage. In addition, these methods continue to undergo continuous development and advancement.

——- How Sustainable is Mushroom Leather? ——-

1. Biodegradable

The production method of mushroom leather is entirely environmentally friendly and adheres to the principles of a circular economy. This natural fiber may be broken down into its component parts by the process of biodegradation.  soAdditionally, throughout this process, some organic waste like agricultural waste are valorized as part of the process.

2. Protect Animals

Additionally, the use of this alternative to leather might lessen the need for industrial farming of animals, which is now the primary source of animal skins for the fashion industry. The beneficial effects that mushroom leather has on the surrounding ecosystem is one of the most interesting aspects of this material. A beneficial effect that extends farther than the substitution of animal leather and synthetic leather… For example, finding a solution to the issue of plastic pollution.

3. Less Pollution

The manufacture of mushroom leather is a totally closed-loop system. In the fashion industry, “closed-loop production” indicates that the materials that are utilized must originate from post-consumer waste. These things are recycled, given new uses, and ultimately made into products that are better for the environment. Corn cobs, wood chips, and straw are all examples of post-consumer waste that are used in the production of mushroom leather.

Mycelium is produced by combining these waste materials with mushroom spawn. This mycelium is then used in the production of leather that is suitable for vegans. In addition, the waste that is produced during the process of creating mushroom leather may be recycled for use as a smoking product in beekeeping or as an organic agriculture fertilizer. In general, mushroom leather is a material that is good for the environment since it does not need the use of any harmful elements in its cultivation or production. In addition, when it reaches the end of its useful life, the material is entirely disposable and biodegradable.

4. Skin-friendly

The use of mushroom leather has been shown to have positive effects on human skin. Mushroom leather is used in the garment sector because of its low weight and high degree of flexibility, which makes it suitable for a diverse variety of items. In addition, research that was carried out by Zvnder, a German firm that specializes in the production of mushroom leather accessories, found that “When in close touch with the skin, mushroom leather shoes have improved athlete’s foot condition.” People who suffer from eczema are less likely to have skin irritation if they use this material for their watch straps. Additionally, because of the naturally high absorbency of mushroom leather, it has the capacity to soak in a significant amount of moisture.

As a consequence of this, shoes manufactured of mushroom leather do not need potentially hazardous chemical sprays in order to eliminate unpleasant odors. Another essential characteristic of human skin is the material’s remarkable ability to trap a significant quantity of air inside its pores. Because of this, the goods that are manufactured using this material are not only very light in weight, but they also have a very good insulating function.

——- Favored by Fashion Industries ——-

Mushrooms are widely regarded within the fashion industry as one of the most environmentally friendly materials to deal with at the moment. Fungi are going to be used to create the next generation of handbags and footwear.

The item represents a fresh class of substance that cannot be classified as either animal or plastic. This particular kind of mushroom leather exemplifies beautifully how art, science, and technologically sophisticated production can be combined to create more efficient supply chains for the fashion and luxury industries.

Already, vegan leather has made its debut in the world of high fashion. According to information provided by Olivia Rosane for EcoWatch, the high-end fashion house Hermés introduced their new Victoria bag in March 2021. This bag was made out of MycoWork’s Fine Mycelium material. 

[Author] Billy Lee
Billy is the Product Manager at Ecoleathery. He loves coming up with new ideas on products development. 15+ years experience in the textile and synthetic leather fabric indutries.