This month, WTiN talks to Gavin McIntyre, co-founder at New York-based company Ecovative about its innovation – Mycelium.
The way most of us know fungi best is by their mushrooms. Evovative’s innovation, AirMycelium, is expanding the possibilities of working with mushrooms, with a focus on the networks of mycelia that produce them to create durable, sustainable biomaterials.
In this episode, Ruby Penson, WTiN’s news editor, talks to McIntyre about sustainability, how AirMycelium can help a range of areas – including packaging, foams, food and beauty – not just textiles. Plus, McIntyre touches on the story of Ecovative, its challenges and its wins over the years.
The mushroom leather can perform differently depending on its use. Image credit: Forager
There is huge demand for sustainable and planet-friendly leather alternatives that feel, look and perform like the real thing. Ecovative has a specialised soft goods division called Forager, which approaches the problem by using its AirMycelium technology to grow durable, synthetic-free and vegan materials for the fashion industry.
Grown in only nine days, Forager’s AirMycelium hides have a naturally high tensile strength, tear resistance, durability and other traits that are equal to animal leathers.
If you want to get in touch with Ecovative, you can find them at @forager.bio and you can reach out to McIntyre himself at gavin@forager.bio.
You can listen to the episode above, or via Spotify and Apple Podcasts. To discuss any of our topics, get in touch by following @wtincomment and @rubyatwtin on Twitter or email rpenson@wtin.com directly. To explore sponsorship opportunities, please email sales@wtin.com.
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