<h2>What is Mushroom Leather (Mylo)?</h2><p>Mushroom leather, branded as Mylo, is a non-woven material made from mycelium—the underground thread-like network of fungi. Unlike plant-based leathers that use cellulose, mushroom leather is grown in trays within days using agricultural byproducts as feed. The mycelium is then processed with non-toxic binders and dyes to create a flexible, durable sheet that resembles animal leather.</p><h2>Where Does It Come From?</h2><p>Mylo is produced by the biotechnology company MycoWorks. The mycelium is cultivated in sterile, controlled environments, then harvested and tanned. The process does not involve raising or slaughtering animals. Most commercially available mushroom leather is grown in facilities in the United States and Europe.</p><h2>Animal and Environmental Impact</h2><ul><li><strong>Animal impact:</strong> No animals are used or harmed. Mushroom leather is entirely vegan and suitable for cruelty-free buyers.</li><li><strong>Water use:</strong> Estimates indicate mushroom leather uses roughly 90% less water than conventional cowhide leather.</li><li><strong>Land use:</strong> Production requires minimal land compared to grazing or growing feed crops for livestock.</li><li><strong>Biodegradability:</strong> Mylo is biodegradable at end of life under industrial composting conditions, unlike many synthetic leathers made from plastic.</li></ul><h2>How to Spot It on Labels</h2><p>Look for terms such as “mycelium leather,” “Mylo,” “mushroom leather,” or “fungus-based leather.” Certifications to check for include: vegan certification (e.g., Vegan Society), PETA-Approved Vegan, and Oeko-Tex Standard 100 for low chemical use. Beware of bluffed “plant-based” labels that may still contain plastic coatings.</p><h2>Alternatives to Mushroom Leather</h2><ul><li><strong>Piñatex</strong> – made from pineapple leaf fibers.</li><li><strong>AppleSkin</strong> – made from apple waste.</li><li><strong>Mirum</strong> – plastic-free, plant-based leather.</li><li><strong>Cactus leather (Desserto)</strong> – made from nopal cactus.</li><li><strong>Recycled PET leather</strong> – melted down plastic bottles, though not biodegradable.</li></ul><!--freshness:faq--><div class="faq"><h2 id="faq">Frequently asked questions</h2><h3>Is mushroom leather durable?</h3><p>Yes, Mylo is engineered to be durable, flexible, and comparable to animal leather for many uses such as bags, shoes, and apparel.</p><h3>Is mushroom leather waterproof?</h3><p>Mylo is water-resistant but not completely waterproof. Long exposure to water can degrade it. Many products receive a protective finish.</p><h3>Does mushroom leather contain plastic?</h3><p>Some mushroom leathers may contain small amounts of polyurethane or other binders. Mylo is marketed as low-chemical but buyers should check individual product labels.</p><h3>How is mushroom leather produced?</h3><p>Mycelium is grown on agricultural waste in trays. After a few days, the mycelium mat is harvested, processed, and tanned without animal-derived chemicals.</p><h3>Is mushroom leather better for the environment than cow leather?</h3><p>Available data suggests mushroom leather uses up to 90% less water, much less land, and generates lower greenhouse gases. It is also biodegradable.</p><h3>Where can I buy products made from Mylo?</h3><p>Many brands such as Stella McCartney, Adidas (prototype), and Lululemon have piloted Mylo products. Check vegan fashion retailers for current stock.</p></div><!--/freshness:faq--><!--freshness:sources--><div class="sources"><h2 id="sources">Sources & further reading</h2><ul><li><a href="https://www.mycoworks.com" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">MycoWorks – Mylo material overview</a></li><li><a href="https://www.peta.org/living/personal-care-fashion/vegan-leather/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">PETA – Leather alternatives guide</a></li><li><a href="https://www.fao.org/economic/est/est-commodities/hides-skins/en/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">FAO – World Statistical Compendium for raw hides and skins</a></li><li><a href="https://www.leapingbunny.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Leaping Bunny – Certified vegan leather list</a></li></ul></div><!--/freshness:sources-->
Mushroom leather (Mylo)
Mushroom leather, such as Mylo, is a leather alternative grown from mycelium, the root structure of fungi. It is produced through controlled lab cultivation of mycelium, which is then treated and tanned without animal hides. Compared to animal leather, mushroom leather requires far less water and land, and is biodegradable at end of life.
Also known as
Common aliases you may spot on a label. Add these to your ingredient blocklist.
Ethical alternatives
Lower-impact substitutes that formulators reach for when replacing mushroom leather (mylo).
Impact notes
Mushroom leather avoids the animal cruelty and high environmental burden of conventional leather. Water and land savings are substantial, and the material can decompose naturally, reducing landfill waste. However, as a relatively new material, large-scale lifecycle studies are still limited.
Sources
Related materials
Wool is a natural fiber sheared from sheep, alpacas, or goats, valued for its warmth and biodegradability. Ethical concerns include mulesing (a painful practice in Australian sheep farming), animal welfare during transport, and environmental impacts from grazing and land use. Look for certifications like ZQ or Responsible Wool Standard to support better practices.
Recycled polyester (rPET) is a synthetic fiber made from post-consumer plastic bottles, reducing reliance on virgin petroleum. It cuts plastic waste but still sheds microplastics during washing, posing environmental concerns. No major certification currently verifies rPET content alone, so consumers must rely on brand transparency.
Hemp is a durable, carbon-sequestering natural bast fiber derived from the Cannabis sativa plant, celebrated for its minimal environmental footprint and high performance.
Linen is a durable, breathable textile made from the fibers of the flax plant, widely regarded as one of the most sustainable traditional fabrics in the fashion industry.
BCI Cotton refers to cotton produced according to the standards of the Better Cotton Initiative, a global non-profit focused on improving the environmental and social conditions of conventional cotton farming. It represents a 'mass balance' approach to sustainability rather than full physical traceability.
Piñatex is a plant-based leather alternative made from fibers extracted from pineapple leaves, a by-product of the pineapple harvest. It requires no additional land, water, or pesticides for its raw material, resulting in a low water and carbon footprint compared to animal leather. The material is commonly used in shoes, bags, and upholstery as a vegan and more sustainable option.