Biotech startup Bolt Threads, which makes the mycelium-based leather known as Mylo, announces a new partnership with Japanese artisan leather brands Tsuchiya Kaban and Objcts.io.
Through the partnership, Tsuchiya and Objcts are launching three new products crafted with Mylo – including a Wallet Bag, iPhone Case, and L Zip Purse.
Alt-leather goods
Available in limited quantities from Dec. 15th – Dec. 31st, the new lineup includes:
- Wallet Bag – The back side and shoulder straps are made of “Tough Guard” synthetic leather, while the interior and exterior pockets are crafted with Mylo. According to Objcts, this bag is an animal-free product that functions as a smartphone pouch and wallet.
- iPhone cases – Made of 50% recycled plastic material, including Mylo material on the back. Features MagSafe compatibility.
Tsuchiya’s new Mylo line also includes The L Zip Purse – though this item is not vegan due to its inclusion of cowhide leather.
Banner year
As the first Japanese brands to debut Mylo-made products, Tsuchiya and Objcts join a growing number of fashion brands that launched the company’s innovative mushroom-based leather in 2022. These included partners Stella McCartney, GANNI and lululemon, who each introduced handbags and other accessories crafted with the unique mushroom-based material.
In February, Bolt Threads partnered with Mercedes-Benz for the VISION EQXX technology program, with Mylo being used for seat cushion details in the VISION EQXX electric car.
In another major partnership, Bolt Threads and GANNI launched the Greener Pastures Pledge — an initiative that incentives brands to remove virgin leather in their supply chains in exchange for preferred access to Bolt’s Mylo material.
Also this year, Bolt founder and CEO, Dan Widmaier, spoke about mycelium’s potential to transform the fashion industry at TED2022: A New Era.
“Aesthetics and performance”
In an interview with vegconomist, Widmaier shared, “Mylo has the aesthetics and performance required by top brands to create unique, covetable offerings without any of the animals required for traditional leather. Our goal is to give consumers and manufacturers a choice for an animal-free alternative to traditional leather that doesn’t sacrifice quality.”
