Google News 
MycoWorks, a pioneering biomaterials technology company, has revolutionized the luxury fashion industry with its breakthrough creation - Fine Mycelium, a plastic-free leather-like material. The new Reishi product line, consisting of Reishi Doux, Reishi Natural, and Reishi Pebble, made from this cutting-edge material, has already surpassed the performance levels demanded by luxury brands, positioning itself as a compelling alternative for high-end product manufacturing.
What sets Fine Mycelium apart is its ability to rival certain animal leathers in terms of properties and performance, without relying on plastics. This sets it apart from other plant or mycelium-based alternatives, which often require plastic additives to meet required standards.
MycoWorks achieved this by collaborating closely with European tannery partners, leveraging their expertise to elevate the technical performance of the Reishi material. This involved incorporating advancements in both Fine Mycelium fermentation and mycelium tanning.
Fine Mycelium: Pioneering a New Era
According to Maud Ohler, the vice president of technology development at MycoWorks, Fine Mycelium represents just the beginning of the company's innovations. She emphasized its potential for versatile applications beyond traditional leather standards, signifying a new era for the luxury industry.
The company is proud of the recent data and is eager to scale up production in its facility located in Union, South Carolina. Thibault Schockert, CEO of Cuir du Vaudreuil, a prominent luxury leather goods factory, hailed the Reishi material as a game-changer for the industry.
Recognizing its immense potential, he commented on how it opens up entirely new possibilities for businesses like his. The development of Fine Mycelium has a long and storied history, dating back to the 1990s when MycoWorks initiated its study and research into mycelium materials.
The journey led to the first prototypes of the Fine Mycelium leather-like material being showcased in 2016. Though they were already known for their durability and softness, they exhibited relatively low tensile strength at that time.
MycoWorks boasts an impressive roster of brand partners, including renowned names like Hermès, General Motors, Ligne Roset, Heron Preston, and Nick Fouquet, with more collaborations yet to be announced. With its world's first commercial-scale Fine Mycelium factory set to establish in Union, South Carolina, the company and its brand partners are eagerly anticipating entering the commercial cycle with exciting new styles and products crafted from the remarkable Reishi material.
In conclusion, MycoWorks' Fine Mycelium has opened up a realm of possibilities for the luxury fashion industry, offering an eco-friendly, plastic-free alternative that rivals traditional leather in performance and appeal.
As the company continues to innovate and expand production, it holds the potential to revolutionize the way luxury goods are manufactured and pave the way for a more sustainable and environmentally-conscious future.
