VTT develops alternative leather from fungi – aims at industrial-scale production

Animal skin is an excellent material, but the tanning process of leather causes significant chromium emissions that are damaging to the environment and human health. Synthetic leathers also burden the environment and fail to match the quality and durability of animal leather. Therefore, new bio-based replacement materials are sought for leather. VTT is using fungal mycelium to produce skinlike material that would be suited for industrial production.For centuries, fungi and polypores have been used for making skinlike fabrics and accessories in Europe. Designers and researchers are now