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A major sustainable force in the fashion industry is textile innovation. On the clothing front, designers and researchers have come together to craft new items out of recycled materials. For accessories, vegan leather has received a major upgrade. Where plastics and petrochemical-derived materials were the dominating choices when it came to faux leather accessories, science is now allowing the industry to look to plants. Much like how a vegan diet supplements meat with plant-based meals, handbags and shoes can now be supplemented with plant-based materials like apples, grapes, cacti or mushroom leather.
While there are still steps that have to be taken before wine or mushroom leather handbags will become widespread, it might be worth while to brush up a few key points in the meantime. We reached out to Jamie Bainbridge, VP, Product Development at Bolt Threads, the company behind Mylo, a mushroom leather. She explored a few key differences between leather and mushroom leather handbags, how to make your new bag last and how it’s made to make a positive difference.
What texture can buyers expect when buying Mylo leather?
Mylo is a material in it’s own right, not just a leather substitute. It moves very much like leather and can be embossed in any pattern as leather can be. We do hope that our partner brands find new ways to bring the material to life to take it to unexpected places.
How durable is Mylo and how long will a handbag last?
- When we are developing a new material like Mylo durability and quality are always front and center. We do exhaustive testing in our materials lab in order to understand all aspects of the material before it comes to the market.
- Mylo is made from mycelium – the underground fibers that produce mushrooms, provide nutrients to plants, and are so strong that they hold the planet together.
- If properly cared for and stored, Mylo products should last a long time. Our longevity tips and recommendations include storing Mylo products in their original packaging (e.g.,: dust bag if provided) and stuffing them (e.g.,: crushed paper, old clothes, shoe trees) to retain shape.
How do you clean Mylo products?
To clean Mylo products, wipe with a soft, damp cloth to remove anything that’s been spilled. Otherwise, just store products properly and they should gain a nice patina with use.
What’s the environmental impact of Mylo?
- While it’s too early to have an independent study on Mylo’s environmental footprint, creating a sustainable upgrade to leather that checks the boxes for people who love leather is the entire reason we’re doing this. As disposable incomes rise around the globe, so will the demand for meat and leather goods – and we need smarter, more sustainable solutions. Our preliminary impact assessment indicates the incredible potential environmental benefits of mycelium-based leather.
- The mycelium we grow for Mylo is produced in days, without the resource intensity of raising livestock, which can take years. This means Mylo uses less water, less land, and emits fewer greenhouse gases than cattle.
- In 2021, we’ll undertake an independent life cycle assessment and we look forward to sharing the results.
What should I do with my Mylo handbag when it’s worn out? Can I compost, landfill, or recycle it?
If properly cared for, your Mylo items (like a handbag) should last a very long time. Our goal with Mylo™ is to consider every aspect of the life cycle and reduce its environmental impact throughout the whole process. The mycelium used to make Mylo is naturally occurring and therefore biodegradable. Our intention is to create a durable product that can be reused, recycled, and eventually biodegrade. We’re early in that journey, and are working with the consortium and key players in the circular economy to realize that vision.
What makes Mylo different from other ‘plant-based’ leathers, like apple or grape leather?
It is less synthetic feeling than most of the other plant based materials you mention. We worked very hard to make it feel like a material from nature with a warm and soft touch.
