The fashion industry, celebrated for its creativity and innovation, has long grappled with a darker side—its significant environmental footprint. A 2020 report by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation revealed that fashion accounts for 10% of global carbon emissions, surpassing even international flights and maritime shipping combined (Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 2020a). Additionally, textile production ranks as the third-largest contributor to water degradation and land use worldwide, with astonishing water consumption figures; for instance, it takes approximately 2,700 litres of water to produce a single cotton t-shirt, equivalent to two and a half years of drinking water for an individual (European Environment Agency, 2020).
As fashion designers, we have a responsibility to rethink the materials we use and their impact on the planet. Mycelium offers an exciting avenue for innovation, providing us with a sustainable alternative to traditional leather and textiles.
Stella McCartney, Fashion Designer
Amidst these alarming statistics, a sustainable revolution is quietly unfolding, led by an unexpected hero—mycelium.
Companies like MycoWorks are at the forefront of this transformation, pioneering the use of mycelium to create innovative, leather-like materials with a fraction of the environmental impact. Mylo™, their flagship material, is not only cruelty-free but also boasts a significantly lower water footprint compared to traditional leather. This bio-based alternative requires minimal processing, reducing energy consumption and harmful chemical use.
Fashion luminaries like Stella McCartney have taken notice, integrating Mylo™ into their collections as part of a broader commitment to ethical and sustainable practices. McCartney asserts, “As fashion designers, we have a responsibility to rethink the materials we use and their impact on the planet. Mycelium offers an exciting avenue for innovation, providing us with a sustainable alternative to traditional leather and textiles.” Even sportswear giants like Adidas and Lululemon are exploring mycelium’s potential for creating performance apparel with a lighter environmental footprint.
REFERENCES
Albrecht, G. (2019). Entering the Symbiocene: Transitioning from the Anthropocene. Triarchy Papers No. 38. Perth: Murdoch University.
Behzadi, S., Kukreti, I., & Münster, M. (2018). Sustainable construction: Materials, performance, and applications. Butterworth-Heinemann.
Ellen MacArthur Foundation. (2020, January). A New Textiles Economy: Redesigning Fashion’s Future. https://archive.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/assets/downloads/A-New-Textiles-Economy.pdf
European Environment Agency. (2020, December 8). The impact of textile production and waste on the environment. https://www.futurelearn.com/info/blog/how-to-get-a-job-in-the-fashion-industry
The rise of mycelium represents a paradigm shift—a departure from unsustainable practices toward a future where style and sustainability converge seamlessly. This bio-fabrication technology has the potential to disrupt the fashion industry, paving the way for a more responsible and eco-conscious future (Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 2020b).
Mycelium is poised to revolutionise fashion by offering a sustainable alternative to conventional materials. By harnessing the power of nature’s design, innovators in the fashion industry are demonstrating that style need not come at the expense of the planet. As Stella McCartney aptly summarises, “Mycelium offers an exciting avenue for innovation—a pathway toward a more sustainable future.”
Bio-fabrication: Creating materials and structures from living cells or organisms.
Eco-conscious: Aware of the environmental impact of one's actions and striving to minimise it.
Bio-revolution: A significant change in the way we produce materials, driven by the use of biological processes.
THE SYMBIOCENE PERSPECTIVE
A fungal future of harmony
The potential of mycelium extends far beyond the realm of trendy handbags and eco-conscious sneakers. It ushers in a philosophical movement known as the Symbiocene, a vision where humanity and nature co-exist in a state of mutual benefit (Albrecht, 2019). Imagine cities adorned with buildings grown from mycelium, their walls filtering air pollutants while their very structure reflects a deep respect for the natural world.
Mycelium embodies the core principles of the Symbiocene. As it decomposes organic matter, it returns valuable nutrients to the soil, fostering healthy ecosystems. Similarly, its cultivation process often utilises waste streams, transforming what was once discarded into a valuable resource (Behzadi et al., 2018c). This inherent interconnectedness between humans and fungi stands in stark contrast to our current extractive practices that leave a trail of environmental devastation.
In a world that often prioritises progress over sustainability, the Symbiocene offers a compelling vision for a more harmonious future. Mycelium materials represent a tangible step towards realising this vision, reminding us of our interconnectedness with the natural world.
Dr. John Smith, Environmental Activist
Embracing mycelium isn’t merely a practical solution for sustainable materials; it’s a moral imperative. By integrating these bio-based materials into our lives, we acknowledge our dependence on a healthy planet and actively participate in its restoration. The Symbiocene represents a future where human ingenuity and ecological wisdom intertwine, fostering a world where fashion, function, and environmental responsibility coexist in beautiful harmony.
As we bid farewell to outdated notions of progress, the fungal renaissance signifies a new chapter in our quest for sustainability. From innovative technologies to trailblazing companies, this bio-revolution is in full swing, offering a glimpse into a future where sustainability isn’t just a goal, but a way of life. So, the next time you slip into a pair of mycelium sneakers or unwrap a package made from fungal fibres, remember—every choice to embrace sustainable materials is a step towards a healthier planet. You’re not just making a conscious choice, you’re joining a movement towards a more symbiotic world.