By Sofie Astrup, AAU Communication og Public Affairs 
Photo: Aalborg University

At the Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, innovation and new ideas have led researchers to the production of mushroom leather, which can be used in a more sustainable clothing production. Through various processes, the researchers can use attributes from mould and mildew to create the new leather product.

"Fungi are fantastic at breaking down dead plant material, e.g. waste products from agriculture such as hay, straw and residues from other processes with organic matter. Once the mushrooms have been harvested, they must go through a number of processes before they become a leather material that can be used in many different contexts," says Thea Laulund Lunden, PhD student at the Department of Chemistry and Bioscience.

Mushroom leather is similar to traditional leather and can therefore become a sustainable alternative, since it emissions less CO2 in the manufacturing process than in the production of leather from cows. Therefore, the mushroom leather has created interest in the fashion industry.

"The manufacturing process is very sustainable and requires very little heat and energy. In addition, we can reduce waste and pollution while at the same time having a finished 'leather product' that is close to CO2 neutral," says Teis Søndergaard, associate professor at the Department of Chemistry and Bioscience.

The mushroom leather will already be able to contribute to the production of new sustainable products in the fashion industry within a few years.