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MycoWorks' New Milestone in Biomaterials

MycoWorks, a trailblazer in the biomaterials sector, has recently unveiled a significant advancement in its proprietary Fine Mycelium™ technology. This latest iteration not only enhances the quality of their flagship product, Reishi™, but also marks a pivotal point in sustainable luxury materials. The groundbreaking development focuses on enabling Reishi™ to be cultivated entirely from mycelium, eliminating the previous use of cotton inserts.

Advancements in Technology

The core of this innovation lies within MycoWorks' refined Rei-Tanning™ technology. Traditionally, each sheet of Reishi™ included a cotton layer, but the new process allows each sheet to be made solely from 100% mycelium. This transformation has increased Reishi™'s tensile strength from below 10 MPa to an impressive over 16 MPa without fabric inserts. In parallel, the environmental footprint of production has significantly reduced, demonstrating MycoWorks’ commitment to sustainability—dropping emissions from 5.8 kg of CO2 to just 2.76 kg per square meter.

Such enhancements illustrate mycelium's potential to become a viable alternative to traditional materials, showcasing MycoWorks' dedication to ongoing research and development in the realm of biomaterials.

Unique Material Properties

Matthew Scullin, CEO of MycoWorks, remarks on the new era Reishi™ has entered, allowing for improved material properties that not only elevate design but support exceptional craftsmanship. The advancement isn't just a technical feat; it offers designers limitless creative potential, setting a new benchmark for luxury and sustainable materials.

The company's Rei-Tanning™ process has evolved to adapt to pure mycelium, offering superior mechanical performance compared to historical standards—pushing tensile strength figures significantly higher and eradicating common delamination issues.

Collaborations and Market Strategy

To capitalize on this new offering, MycoWorks is partnering directly with tanneries, facilitating the production of various Reishi™ materials that boast tailored characteristics to meet diverse client needs. Each partnership allows for customization regarding finishes and colors, transforming Reishi™ into a versatile platform rather than a single product.

Diego Navarro from Curtidos Badia states, “Reishi™ has delivered consistent advances that make it an exciting material to work with.” The adaptability of Reishi™ encourages innovative design choices beyond the confines of traditional leather and rigid plastics.

Setting New Standards in Biomaterials

MycoWorks takes pride in its ground-breaking progress in the industry, asserting that alongside its Fine Mycelium™ technology, it is not merely redefining innovation but also establishing a foundation for sustainable biomaterials to become integral to the luxury supply chain. Collaborative projects with brands like Cadillac and Ligne Roset exemplify how Fine Mycelium™ can be tailored for various applications, thus showcasing the material's adaptability across industries. Furthermore, events such as Design Miami, Paris Design Week, and ICFF have highlighted Reishi™'s diverse applications.

The future of sustainable design is here, and MycoWorks is leading the charge with materials that balance eco-consciousness with aesthetic appeal. The company is set to showcase its innovations at the upcoming Premiere Vision 2025 in Paris and Material Matters in London, paving the way for broader adoption of biomaterials in the luxury sector.

In a world increasingly leaning towards sustainability, MycoWorks' advancements in mycelium-based solutions are not just products; they are the forefront of a monumental shift in how materials are conceived for tomorrow's design landscape. For more information, visit the MycoWorks website or follow them on Instagram at @madewithreishi.