A team of scientists reviewed the merits of fungi-derived leather substitutes, and the results are very encouraging

Humans have been utilizing leather for many thousands of years and continue to use it up to this day. Its flexible and durable properties make it an ideal material for a wide variety of products from luxurious car seats, shoes, and furniture, to even book bindings. However, in the past century, traditional leather has increasingly become the subject of criticism by animal rights groups and involved citizens regarding the harming of animals for production.

Fungi-derived leather substitutes are more environmentally friendly than traditional or synthetic leather - Image Courtesy of Antoni Gandia (Mogu S.r.l)

In light of these issues, various forms of synthetic/artificial leather have come to market. These leather replacements, often marketed under names like faux leather or leatherette, are commonly made from natural or synthetic fibers like polyester combined with plastics like Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and Polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Synthetic leather is considered an improvement over traditional leather by many although there are some sustainability issues because the materials are derived from fossil fuels and contribute to the plastic waste problem.

This is where a new emerging experimental leather alternative derived from fungi comes in. Fungi-derived leather could potentially be the solution to both the animal harm problem associated with traditional leather and the sustainability problem associated with common synthetic leather alternatives. Recently, a team of researchers has put this promising leather alternative to the test. They published their findings in the highly regarded science journal: Nature Sustainability.

Fungi derived upholstery in your eco-friendly car? Who knows what the future will bring - Image Credit: BoJack via Shutterstock / HDR tune by Universal-Sci

The researchers emphasized that traditional leather can be considered a co-product of meat production. In addition to the aforementioned ethical problems concerning animal harm, both livestock farming and conventional leather production can be regarded as problematic for the environment. Concerns arise with the release of greenhouse gasses associated with livestock, deforestation for grazing animals, and the use of hazardous substances in the leather's tanning process.

According to Dr. Alexander Bismarck, one of the authors, leather-like materials derived from fungi excel in this area. It turns out that they are, in general, CO2 neutral as well as biodegradable at the end of their life span. The fungi based materials can be created by upcycling low-cost agricultural and forestry by-products such as sawdust.

The by-products assist in the growth of fungal mycelium, which develops a bulk of extended tube-shaped structures and represents the vegetative growth of filamentous fungi. After a few weeks, the fungal biomass can be harvested and chemically and physically processed. The end result is a product that feels and looks just like real leather.

Image courtesy of Antoni Gandia (Mogu S.r.l)

The new fungus-derived leather substitutes might become a strong competitor for traditional leather and leather substitutes if the researchers are to be followed. Bismarck mentioned that there are some biotech companies are already putting effort into putting it to market. Nevertheless, there are still some production challenges that need to be ironed out. It is still difficult to achieve homogeneous and consistent mycelium mats, presenting consistent color, thickness, and mechanical characteristics.

All things considered, 'fungi leather' is something to get excited about as it shows a lot of promise for the future. As reported by the researchers, a growing number of businesses are showing interest in creating these materials. Let us hope that innovative companies can overcome production issues and make it a cost-effective alternative for consumers to enjoy.

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