The field of biomaterials has expanded over the years, with much of it gaining momentum during the pandemic. Materials like mycelium leather are slowly gaining popularity, with companies like MycoWorks leading the charge. MycoWorks has developed a unique form of mushroom fiber called fine mycelium, which replicates the feel of leather and eliminates the usual waste, as the material grows into the desired mold. In March, the company became the first biomaterial company to partner with luxury brand Hermès, on a bag made from fine mycelium.
Matt Scullin, CEO of MycoWorks has been instrumental in directing the company to focus on the luxury market, specifically getting influential players to embrace the possibilities of biomaterials.
“The great eras in human history are described by their material, right? From the Stone Age and the Bronze Age to the Iron Age. Now we’re entering the Biomaterials era.” While other biomaterial applications exist, with algae and milk proteins being used more often, many biomaterial innovations have focused on leather alternatives. Examples include pineapple leather from Piñatex and coffee ground and chitin leather from Tômtex.
Inspired to create a new type of material company, Scullin has proven that biomaterials can not only be finely tuned to deliver different properties, but they can also be sustainably grown. “I was personally interested in seeing how I could take what I knew about material science and allow the material to become step one in the design process, rather than a given.”
According to the Material Innovation Initiative, since 2015, new material companies have seen more than $1.29 billion in investments, with nearly 40% raised in 2020 alone. The market has accelerated significantly, and the level of innovation and problem solving will continue to dictate the leaders in the space.
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Talking about the potential of biomaterials, Scullin said the fashion industry is one of the best places to start. “The fashion industry can push this field of biomaterials forward, because it can move very quickly and because it really has the attention of consumers. What’s more, consumers are clamoring for products that are both high performance and highly sustainable.”
