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Mylo™ by Bolt Threads: leather from mushrooms

Last updated: Apr 11, 2023

Summary

Mylo is a sustainable leather alternative created by the pioneering scientists and engineers at Bolt Threads. Made from mycelium, the complex thread structure that allows fungi to grow, comparable to tree roots, Bolt Threads have created a soft, supple material free of harmful chemicals usually used in leather production. It is a high-quality alternative for animal and synthetic-based leather that has the potential to become commercially viable.

Problem

The global cattle industry — where the majority of leather comes from — has a massive environmental impact, producing roughly as much greenhouse gas as the United States.

Solution

Unlike the production of conventional leather, making Mylo material doesn't involve raising livestock. The materials core ingredient is mycelium, the vegetal part of fungi, the complex latticework of underground fibres that connect plants and trees. The mycelium grown for Mylo material is produced in days, using far fewer resources and eliminating resource-intensive livestock. The mycelium cells are fed with organic materials, such as sawdust, and are placed on growing mats. Mylo can be grown into any shape, eliminating pattern cutting waste. The material is then dyed and tanned similarly to conventional leather but without the hazardous chemicals used. The goal with Mylo material is to consider every aspect of the lifecycle and reduce its environmental impact throughout the whole process. The mycelium used to make Mylo material is infinitely renewable and grown by expert mushroom farmers and scientists in indoor vertical farming facilities in Europe and the United States.

Bolt Threads have created a material that rivals the look and feel of animal leather and are investing in constructing a supply chain that would allow it to be manufactured at a commercially viable scale. This process would enable Mylo to be produced at a comparable price to animal leather.