Mycotech Lab, a San Francisco-based company, is among the first to introduce mushroom leather. The company uses the mycelium from the mushrooms grown indoors, and then grows the mycelium on a specially-designed substrate. It also uses beet sugar or molasses as a dyeing medium. It is certified organic and biodegradable, so it doesn’t harm the environment. During the growing process, the fungus doesn’t need any artificial nutrients.

This innovative new product is composed of fungi substances called chitin and glucans. Because these substances are naturally occurring in the environment, mushroom leather is considered an environmentally friendly material. Additionally, it is also biodegradable. This is why it’s an attractive alternative to animal leather. Furthermore, it’s a cost-effective and socially-friendly material, as it’s grown without polluting substances.

Mycelium is the vegetative part of mushrooms. It’s composed of a network of white filaments. Because of this, mushroom leather is biodegradable and compostable. Its unique capacity to absorb air makes it a versatile material. The leather can be shaped to mimic any animal skin. In addition, it can be dyed and made into different patterns and colours. The possibilities are endless!

Mycelium leather is a completely sustainable material that doesn’t cause any harmful effects on the environment or animals. It takes just two weeks to grow to the standard cowhide size, whereas animal leather takes three years to grow. Unlike animal leather, mushroom leather doesn’t damage the skin or have side effects like animal skin. Mycelium has been used for thousands of years for its healing properties and is 100% vegan. For this reason, it’s the most eco-friendly material on the market.