Bolt Threads: The Textile Company That Grows Its Fabric
Did you ever think fungus would make an appearance on the runway? In 2021, mycelium fabric is strutting its way into the sustainable high-fashion scene. Bolt Threads’ Mylo leather is pioneering the trend, having scored deals with Stella McCartney, Adidas, Lululemon, and more!
What Is Mylo?
Here to disrupt luxury fashion with a sustainable, kinder alternative, Mylo is a revolutionary textile made of mycelium! If you’re not familiar with this material, it’s essentially the part of fungus that can be found underground—similar to the roots of a plant. It’s incredibly strong, and in some instances, it may spread across an entire forest!
Scientists and engineers came together at Bolt Threads to create a fabric that is grown out of this thick, strong mycelium root structure. This means Mylo requires less land, less water, and generates much less greenhouse gas emissions than animal leather! Additionally, unlike many other vegan fabrics, it’s bio-based—not petroleum-based.
Mylo is made in indoor, controlled vertical farming facilities. Mycelia cell spores are fed organic materials until a foamy layer is formed. After a few days, once the mycelium is harvested and byproducts are composted, the material is dyed ethically with the help of a globally recognized sustainable tannery! Unlike livestock production for leather which requires years worth of resources, mycelium is produced within a matter of days.
The Mylo Consortium
Wondering how you can get your hands on garments and accessories made using Mylo? Bolt Threads has recently teamed up with Stella McCartney, Adidas, Kering, and Lululemon to bring you sustainable vegan leather articles from the brands leading the sustainable fashion movement! They call it, “The Mylo consortium”.
Each of these brands were selected to create a big impact and to achieve global reach within the fashion industry. Their vision is huge—to disrupt the fashion industry through innovation, to create a more sustainable future for all.
More On Bolt Threads’ Textiles
Bolt Threads did not stop at leather—they have also developed a unique fabric called “Microsilk”, which will also be incorporated into future Stella McCartney collections! It’s made to imitate spider silk as closely as possible using fermentation and biology. You can learn more about this high-tech and Earth-friendly textile here!
Excited to purchase Mylo-based clothing? Share your thoughts on this innovative textile in the comments below! Thanks for looking out for our planet and the animals in everything you do. Good luck on your vegan, sustainable journey!
