No Image Available
Visual representation of mushroom leather
Sustainable Material
Updated September 4, 2025
Mushroom leather
Mushroom leather creates a durable, plant-based material that looks and feels like animal leather. It offers a sustainable alternative for fashion and accessories.
Category
Sustainable Material
Use Case
Used as an eco-friendly alternative to animal leather in fashion and accessories.
Variants
Mycelium-based, Mylo, Muskin
Key Features
-
Sustainable and cruelty free material
-
High durability and water resistance
-
Flexible and versatile application options
-
Eco friendly production and disposal
-
Natural texture and aesthetic appeal
In Simple Terms
Mushroom leather is a type of material made from the root structure of mushrooms. It’s designed to look, feel, and function like traditional animal leather, but it’s grown in a lab rather than taken from an animal. Think of it like growing a garden—instead of raising a whole cow for its hide, we grow just the part we need from mushrooms.
Why people use it
People are turning to mushroom leather for a few key reasons. It’s much kinder to animals, since no animals are harmed in making it. It’s also better for the planet. Growing mushroom leather uses less water and land compared to raising livestock, and it creates fewer greenhouse gases. Plus, it’s durable and versatile, meaning it can be used to make long-lasting products just like regular leather.
Basic examples
You can find mushroom leather in many everyday items:
Handbags and wallets that are stylish and cruelty-free
Shoes and boots that are comfortable and eco-friendly
Furniture upholstery, like couches and chairs, giving homes a sustainable touch
Car interiors, including seats and steering wheel covers, for a greener ride
Phone cases and watch straps, adding an earth-conscious option to small accessories
Why people use it
People are turning to mushroom leather for a few key reasons. It’s much kinder to animals, since no animals are harmed in making it. It’s also better for the planet. Growing mushroom leather uses less water and land compared to raising livestock, and it creates fewer greenhouse gases. Plus, it’s durable and versatile, meaning it can be used to make long-lasting products just like regular leather.
Basic examples
You can find mushroom leather in many everyday items:
Technical Details
What it is
Mushroom leather, also known as mycelium leather, is a biofabricated material categorized as a next-generation vegan leather alternative. It is not a textile derived from animal hides or a synthetic plastic polymer, but rather a grown material. The substance is produced from the root structure of mushrooms, called mycelium, which acts as a natural, self-assembling binder.
How it works
The production mechanism leverages the natural growth patterns of mycelium. The process begins by introducing a specific fungal strain to a substrate, typically agricultural waste like sawdust or straw, contained within a tray. Under controlled environmental conditions of humidity, temperature, and CO? levels, the mycelium grows, spreading its microscopic filamentous network throughout the substrate. This network binds the organic matter into a solid mat. After a growth period of several days, the mat is harvested. The harvested material then undergoes a process of heat treatment or tanning to halt growth, remove moisture, and enhance its durability, flexibility, and water resistance.
Key components
The primary biological component is the mycelium, selected for its dense, leather-like mat-forming properties. The secondary component is the substrate, which provides the nutritional base for growth and can influence the final material's texture and strength. Post-growth processing may also involve natural binders or sustainable tanning agents to finish the material, though these are not always required.
Common use cases
Mushroom leather is utilized as a sustainable material in the fashion and goods industries. Its applications include footwear such as sneakers and boots, where it is used for uppers and accents. It is also used in the production of handbags, wallets, and other small leather goods. Furthermore, the automotive and interior design sectors are exploring its use for car interiors and upholstery, valuing its aesthetic qualities and reduced environmental footprint.
Help us improve
Was this information helpful?
What could we improve?
Your feedback helps us create better content.
Thank you for your feedback!