Bolt Threads is Using Fungal Root Structures to Make New Materials
Justin Lam — April 25, 2018 — Eco
References: boltthreads & fastcompany
Bolt Threads is looking to make cowhide leather obsolete with its new synthetic material made from fungus. The material is made of mycelium, the root structure of fungi, which is manufactured and manipulated to appear and feel like real leather. The material is created as the mycelium extends and grows until Bolt Threads can cut it into slices and treat it in a process that is not dissimilar to how animal hides are tanned.
This is the second unique material by Bolt Thread, as the company is also known for a polymer bioengineered to mimic spider silk. However, unlike the polymer material, this new mycelium-based leather is fully biodegradable and incredibly sustainable. The process of growing the material is also low-impact and is less damaging than existing leather production facilities.
This is the second unique material by Bolt Thread, as the company is also known for a polymer bioengineered to mimic spider silk. However, unlike the polymer material, this new mycelium-based leather is fully biodegradable and incredibly sustainable. The process of growing the material is also low-impact and is less damaging than existing leather production facilities.
Trend Themes
1. Fungal-based Materials - The development of synthetic materials made from fungi presents an opportunity for disruptive innovation in the manufacturing industry.
2. Sustainable Leather Alternatives - The shift towards using mycelium-based leather materials offers a disruptive innovation opportunity in the fashion and accessories industry.
3. Low-impact Production Processes - The adoption of low-impact production processes for leather-like materials can lead to disruptive innovation in the environmental sustainability sector.
Industry Implications
1. Manufacturing - Incorporating fungal-based materials into manufacturing processes can result in disruptive innovation opportunities for the industry.
2. Fashion and Accessories - The use of mycelium-based leather alternatives presents a disruptive innovation opportunity in the fashion and accessories industry.
3. Environmental Sustainability - Implementing low-impact production processes for leather-like materials can drive disruptive innovation in the environmental sustainability sector.
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