Today’s Solutions: November 04, 2024

From processing plastic waste to sequestering carbon to protecting astronauts from cosmic radiation, fungi have the incredible potential to benefit a wide range of industries.

According to a recent study, this impressive living organism also holds the potential to help scientists develop a more sustainable alternative to animal leather that looks and feels like the real thing.

A recent research paper from the University of Vienna, Imperial College London, and RMIT University in Australia, states that fungi, which are readily available in nature, could outshine regular leather and become a more sustainable and cost-effective substitute.

“Fungi-derived leather substitutes are an emerging class of ethically and environmentally responsible fabrics that are increasingly meeting consumer aesthetic and functional expectations and winning favor as an alternative to bovine and synthetic leathers,” says the study.

One of the production possibilities involves using low-cost agricultural and forestry by-products, like sawdust, as a base to grow mycelium on. Mycelium is the vegetative part of a fungus made of long strands that connect the root systems of different plants and help them communicate.

The mycelium is then grown into sheet form over the course of a couple of weeks, after which it goes through a pressing process, producing a material with a similar texture to animal leather. This material mainly consists of biodegradable elements such as chitin and glucan biopolymers.

According to the researchers, using fungi to manufacture leather could be of particular interest to eco-conscious consumers and the vegan community, as well as the increasing number of fashion brands seeking to reduce their environmental footprint.

Solutions News Source Print this article
More of Today's Solutions

Out of Body Pop is creating safe spaces for neurodivergent music fans

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Out of Body Pop, a unique music event at London's EartH Kitchen, provides a space for neurodivergent people ...

Read More

How micro-meditations help reduce stress anytime, anywhere

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In today's fast-paced world, taking time for stress relief might be overwhelming—especially if you're already overburdened. The recommendation ...

Read More

How to naturally purify the air in your home

Since we’re spending more time than ever at home these days, it’s time we consider the quality of air in our homes. After all, ...

Read More

James Webb Space Telescope officially launches into space

As most of us were celebrating Christmas morning in December 2021, NASA was celebrating a different event: the successful launch of the James Webb Space ...

Read More