Finnish innovations

VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland has developed sustainable mycelium leather with properties similar to animal leather, providing a robust, visually appealing alternative. This bio-based material doesn’t require additional support materials, and it can be colored and patterned. Using common bioreactors and fermentation technology, the patent-pending production process ensures scalability and constant quality while minimizing waste. This makes mycelium leather suitable for large-scale, roll-to-roll industrial processes, significantly reducing fashion industry’s ecological footprint. Although challenges like enhancing tear strength and abrasion resistance remain, VTT continues refining the leather to meet the fashion industry’s rigorous standards.