What is Mushroom Leather? | The Future Possibilities of a New Material
Mushroom leather has been gaining attention in recent years. Mushroom skin (also known as mushroom textile) is becoming increasingly popular as a new, environmentally friendly, sustainable leather material. This article will provide a detailed explanation of mushroom leather's characteristics, the background to its development, and examples of its actual use.
[Mushroom leather What is mushroom skin? 】
Basic knowledge of mushroom leather
Mushroom leather, a type of vegan leather,is a new leather material made from mushroom mycelium, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional animal-based leather. Mycelium is the root-like part of mushrooms that grows in the soil and absorbs nutrients.The production of mushroom leather involves cultivating and processing this mycelium.When cultivated under the right conditions,the myceliumintertwines with each other to form a leather-like structure.This structure is flexible and durable, and can achieve the same texture and appearance as traditional leather .
How mushroom leather is made
①Preparing mycelium
Fungi, also known as molds and mushrooms, are made up of cylindrical cells that form a thread-like structure. Most are colorless, but some fungi contain brown pigments, and in rare cases, they secrete various pigments.
② Cultivation of mycelium
Mushroom mycelium is cultivated, which is the process of growing mycelium in a rich medium under the proper temperature and humidity conditions.
③Molding + processing
The cultivated mycelium is then shaped into leather products. The shaped mycelium is then further processed, during which it is dyed, coated, or otherwise treated to improve durability and appearance.
④Completion of leather
Once processed, the leather passes strict inspection before being shipped to brands and craftsmen.
⑤ Commercialization
The craftsmen then finish the product. In this process, they do cutting, sewing, and other work to create the final product.
Also, the interview video with the Indonesian company that produces Mylea™, a mushroom leather material, is very informative.
Characteristics of mushroom leather
[Advantages of mushroom leather]
Benefit 1: Reduced environmental impact
Mushroom leather is gaining attention as a sustainable material with minimal impact on the environment.
1. Reduction of CO2 emissions
Mushroom leather produces significantly less CO2 during its manufacturing process than animal-based leather because it does not require the raising of animals and uses less water and energy during the manufacturing process.
2. Water conservation
Mushroom leather uses less water in the manufacturing process than animal leather, helping to conserve water resources.
3. Biodegradable
Mushroom leather can be produced without using petroleum in the base material, making it biodegradable and allowing it to decompose naturally after disposal, minimizing the burden on the environment.
Advantage 2: Functionality and design
Mushroom leather has unique functionality and design that can only be achieved by being derived from mushroom mycelium.
You can enjoy fashion while thinking about the global environment.
1. Functionality
Mushroom leather is lighter and warmer than animal leather. It has the characteristics of a natural material, and the more you use it, the more it will fit your hand.
2. Design
The traces of mushrooms trying to grow from mycelium appear on the material as unique patterns. These are the traces of cells that occur during a process called primordium formation when trying to create a fruiting body (the cap part). The unique characteristics of natural living organisms bring about designs that are not found in other materials.
[Application examples of mushroom leather]
Examples of employment in the fashion industry
Mushroom leather is gaining attention in the fashion industry and has already been adopted by many brands.
1. Hermès: The world-famous luxury brand Hermès released a mushroom leather bag in 2021. The bag became a hot topic as it symbolized the brand's commitment to environmental friendliness and innovative materials.
2. Adidas: Adidas' "Stan Smith Mylo" features mushroom leather, derived from mushrooms, on the upper, three stripes, and heel tab. Its natural texture and flexibility are its hallmarks. The sole is made of natural rubber, creating an environmentally friendly design. This product is part of Adidas' sustainability efforts, which aim to achieve carbon neutrality and reduce plastic waste by 2050.
3. Other: Many other brands are also using mushroom leather (mushroom skin) to develop sustainable products. For example, accessory and apparel brands are selling products made from mushroom leather.
[About the names of materials 】
Starting in March 2024, JIS standards will limit the use of the word "leather" in product names to those derived from animals.
However, please note that currently, our brand places importance on clarity and continues to refer to non-animal vegan leather as "◯◯ leather" as usual.
【summary 】
The potential of mushroom leather and its contribution to environmental protection
Mushroom leather is an innovative material that has a low environmental impact and is characterized by its functionality and design. It is beginning to be used in various fields, including automobiles, and its range of applications is expected to continue expanding. This material is a key material for building a sustainable future, and is also expected to contribute to environmental protection.
As Japan's first brand specializing in mushroom leather, mushco will work to popularize this wonderful material throughout the world and work towards a sustainable shift in society as a whole.
