A PROJECT REPORT ON

THE TOPIC
“MUSHROOM LEATHER”

Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for

MBA

Submitted By Under the guidance of

LLOD INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT & TECHNOLOGY

PLOT NO 11, KNOWLEDGE PARK-2, GREATER NOIDA-201306(UP)

[Email address]
 CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL

This dissertation report of ‘ZEBA HEENA ’titled “TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT” a

student of “LLOYD INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT & TECNOLOGY” to course
“MBA” has successfully completed the project entitled “Mashroom Leather”.

This project work has been carried out under the guidance of “MRS RITIKA KHURANA” and
is of a sufficiently high standard to warrant its presentation for the examination leading to the
degree of MBA from LLOYD INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT & TECHNOLOGY.

I wish her good luck for the future.

RITIKA KHAURANA
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR
LLOYD INSTITUTE OF MANAGERMENT & TECNOLOGY
 DECLARATION BY THE STUDENT

I, ZEBA HEENA, hereby declare that the project titled “Mushroom, to leather”, has been

carried out by me during my ‘DISSERTATION’ and is hereby submitted in the partial

fulfillment of the requirements of LLOYD INSTITUTEOF BUSSINESS AND

TECHNOLOGY for the award of the degree of Masters of Business Administration

To the best of my knowledge, the project undertaken, has been carried out by me and is my own

work. The contents of this report are original and this report has been submitted to LLOYD

INSTITUTEOF BUSSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY, Jamshedpur and it has not been

submitted elsewhere for the award of any Certificate/Diploma/degree etc

Zeba Heena
PREERN210004038
MBA 2021-2023
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I have been working on this topic for a long time and different hurdles have been crossed.
First of all, I am grateful to do this project in college, I gained new experience. I am really
fortunate that, I had this kind of association as well as supervision of Ritika Mam, honorable
professor of LLOYD INSTITUTE.
Her exemplary guidance, constant, encouragement, and careful monitoring throughout the
making are so great that, even my most profound gratitude is not enough.
Last but not the least I would also like to thank all respondents for giving me their precious time,
information and device without which I would not be able to complete this project.

ZEBA HEENA
ENROLLMENT NUMBER
PREERN210004038
GREENER SOLUTIONS: IMPROVING PERFORMANCE

OF MYCELIUM- BASED LEATHER.

“Mushroom leather is more than a sustainable alternative to Animal

Skin”

"And that’s where you can find us, on the edge of discovery—exploring, learning, and searching
for the kind of food solutions that will create the brighter future we all deserve."

Alan Hahn, CEO & Co Founder

of Myco Technology

INTRODUCTION: Macrolepiota is a genus of white spored, gilled mushrooms of the

family Agaricaceae (Agaricales, Basidiomycota) introduced by ] and has subsequently been
studied by many researchers. Macrolepiota species differ from other genera of Agaricaceae in
three prominent features; a large and fleshyHumans have been converting animal hides into
leather for millennia to make use of the material's desirable qualities such as strength, flexibility,
durability, and pleasant look and feel. 3 qualities make animal leather highly versatile, rendering
it useful in the production of clothing, furniture, automobiles, books, and other consumer
products. To meet the demand for such products, over 350,000,000 cow hides are used for
leather production annually, in addition to the hides of sheep, goats, and other animals (Food and
Agricultural Organization of the United Nations, 2016). For the purposes of our discussion when
we mention conventional or animal leather, we are referring to bovine leather.

Although useful, animal leather presents many environmental, social, and health-related
problems throughout its lifecycle. These issues begin as early as the procurement of the raw
material. Cattle are often raised in tight quarters, a situation which presents animal welfare issues
such as excessive antibiotic use, which may exacerbate the rise of antibiotic resistance (Mathew,
Cissell, & Liamthong, 2007). Cattle production is also highly carbon, water, and land intensive,
giving cow hide production a rather large ecological footprint (Ridoutt, Page, Opie, Huang, &
Bellotti, 2014).
A series of chemical treatment processes collectively referred to as "tanning" convert animal hide
to strong and supple leather. The most common tanning method is chromium tanning, although
other processes such as aldehyde tanning and vegetable tanning are also used. Chromium uses
large quantities of water and trivalent chromium salts to cross-link the collagen in the hide.
Trivalent chromium is a skin sensitizer and allergen (Hedberg, Lidén, & Odnevall Wallinder,
2015). Further, it may change its valence state to become hexavalent chromium, a much more
toxic chemical known for its potent carcinogenicity (Hedberg & Lidén, 2016). In addition to
presenting significant occupational health hazards, chromium compounds may leach out of
leather products long after production, placing consumers at risk (Hedberg & Lidén, 2016).
Chromium tanning and other leather tanning processes tend to have relatively low uptake rates,
leading to the formation of significant quantities of contaminated wastewater. Current methods to
remove chromium from wastewater result in large quantities of solid waste (Aravindhan,
Madhan, Rao, Nair, & Ramasami, 2004). Given that the waste associated with leather production
is difficult to remediate before its disposal, waters near leather tanning facilities may be polluted
with the waste products, significantly damaging normal ecosystem function (Dixit, Yadav,
Dwivedi, & Das, 2015).Conscious consumers have long acknowledged the issues inherent in
leather manufacturing. Demand for a safer, more environmentally-friendly alternative led to the
development of synthetic ("vegan") leather. While vegan leather circumvents some of the
problematic aspects of cattle farming, it fails to address concerns of carbon intensiveness and
health problems. The material is synthesized from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a petroleum-based
polymer. PVC's petroleum-based roots raise concerns of sustainability and ecological footprint.
Further, PVC is relatively brittle, necessitating the use of plasticizers. Dibutyl phthalate is
usually the plasticizer of choice for vegan leather, but its use is problematic because it disrupts
hormonal signals and exerts toxicity on the male reproductive system. It is clear that leather
products currently on the market perform unsatisfactorily with regards to environmental and
health-related outcomes. While problematic, this is unlikely to diminish the demand for leather.
Therefore there is a significant need for a more sustainable alternative. Innovative companies
who take up this challenge have a significant business opportunity and a chance to move a
multibillion-dollar industry in a more sustainable direction. the importance of each species
through

research.
Macrolepiota species are saprobic and hence have the potential to be cultivated.They can be
easily isolated is agar media and can decompose agricultural wastes such as rice straw, rice bran,
sawdust, and rice hulls. Macrolepiota procera [17, 28] M. zeyheri (Fr.) Heinem M. bonaerensis
(Speg.) Singer ] M. gracilenta (Krombh.) Wasser [14]nd M. detersa [16] have been shown to be
cultivable. Domestication of wild edible species such as M. dolichaula and other Macrolepiota
species using agricultural waste residues or by inoculating spawn in soils of fruits orchards has a
huge potential. This process will not only help in decreasing the burning of waste which causes
significant environmental problems, but also can supply additional nutritional mushrooms in
fresh markets and supermarkets. Although the cultivation of M. gracilenta has been achieved
in composted substrates in Thailand, the yield is presently low and needs to be improved ,Like
M. gracilenta, M. dolichaula also has a great potential for domestication, but its cultivation has
never been attempted in India ,nor in Thailand. Most cultivable mushrooms have specific
requirements for the mycelial growth as well as for the successful fructification. The production
of mushrooms is effected by various factors such as types of compost, nutrients present in the
growth medium, pH of the growth medium, and temperature, humidity, aeration and various
biotic factors .Hence there is always a need to study and characterize the optimal conditions of
these parameters/factors for mushroom production. Inoculating spawn of M. dolichaula in
orchard soils for producing edible basidiomes and the stimuli triggering fructification also needs
investigating. Since this mushroom is saprobic and grows in grasslands on litter
layers, creating ecological conditions suitable for the production of the mushroom in fruit
saprobic and grows in grasslands on litter layers, creating ecological conditions suitable for the
production of the mushroom in fruit orchards by utilizing agricultural and industrial wastes
should be explored. The purpose of this study is to identify the optimal mycelial growth
conditions, cultivation methods in compost and spawn inoculation in orchard

soils for domestication of M. dolichaula. THE FUTURE OF MUSHROOM

LEATHER

Mushroom textiles certainly have a future in many industries. It can already be found in clothing
and bags, and even durable furniture and building bricks. Mycelium are carbon-negative and can
be naturally dyed any colour.
Fabric created from mycelium is non-toxic, waterproof, and fire-resistant. It can be as thin as
paper for dresses and lamp shades, or incredibly thick for heavy-duty items, and in both cases,
the result is remarkably flexible and strong.
With so much potential, is it any wonder that so many companies are now working to make this
remarkable material part of our everyday life?

INNOVATIVE MATERIALS

Mushroom leather is just one of many materials being developed to lower our environmental
impact. Although few are fully biodegradable, many do contain a large percentage of organic
material. For example apple leather and corn leather which are both made with more than 50%
organic material. Pinatex utilises the waste material from the pineapple industry. It is made
entirely from plant material, but it’s durability does limit how it can be used.
For now, designers must continue to balance the need for sustainability and a circular economy
with the consumer demand for value and longevity. One thing is for certain though, with textile
development moving at the current pace, it will not be long before many more organic based
materials will be fully bio-gradable.

What is Mushroom Leather?

Mushroom leather is a vegan-friendly material used as a sustainable and environmentally
friendly alternative to animal leather. Mushroom leather is made from mycelium, the vegetative
part of a fungus. A fungus (or fungi-plural) is any member of the group of eukaryotic organisms.

Eukaryotic organisms include microorganisms such as moulds and yeasts, as well as mushrooms.
Fungi have their own kingdom, different than the other life forms on this planet, such as plants
and animals. For that, mushrooms have unique capabilities.

The Uniqueness of Fungi

Mushrooms are already known for their tremendous benefits for the immune system, protection
against cancer and even slowing down the ageing process. But fungi’s unique characteristics take
their utility beyond food, to spiritual realms and beyond:
“Mushrooms bridge death and life, chaos and form, energy and substance. As our ancestors
crossed continents, they ingested different mushrooms which led to an increase in the size of
their brain, as well as their cognitive output,” said Paul Stamets, an American mycologist and
author of the bestseller ‘Fantastic Fungi: How Mushrooms Can Heal, Shift Consciousness &
Save the Planet’.
And more recently, there are certain types of fungi taking the world of fashion by storm.
“Reishi, our first product, is a new category of material that is neither animal nor plastic. This
type of mushroom leather is the perfect example of art, science, and advanced manufacturing
blending to improve supply chains for fashion and luxury,” said Philip Ross, founder of
MycoWorks, a San Francisco start-up.
Right now, in the fashion industry, mushrooms are seen as one of the most sustainable materials
to work with. Now, let’s see what mushroom fabric is, how it is made, and why the next
generation of shoes and bags are going to be made of fungi!
What is Mycelium?
Mycelium is the network of filaments that form the underground thread-like structure of fungi. It
is the branching structure of mushrooms, made from billions of tiny cells.

“The mushroom is a tiny little part belonging to this huge organism that lives underground,
called ‘mycelium’,” Ross explains.
Mycelium grows in the ground, as tiny white threads, forming vast networks under the forest
floor.
How Large Can a Mycelium Network Grow?
Well, let’s run a small comparison. When you think of the biggest organisms on Earth, the blue
whale might come first to mind. Up to 30 meters long, blue whale weigh upward of 180 tonnes,
making them larger than dinosaurs. However, the world record holder for the largest living
organism on Earth is not the blue whale, but a fungus!
More specifically, the largest known organism in the world is a honey fungus living in the Blue
Mountains of Oregon. The mycelium of this humongous organism occupies almost 2,400 acres
(965 hectares) of soil, covering an area as big as 1,665 football fields. The honey fungus gets its
size from its ability to fuse into a single organism.
“Mycelia from different individual honey fungus bodies meet and fuse to each other. For that, the
connecting fungi must be genetically identical. When the mycelia fuse to each other, it creates
large fungal bodies. This, in turn, blends extensive networks of fungal ‘clones’ into a single
individual,” said soil scientist Jesse Morrison, from Mississippi State University.
Apart from growing naturally, mycelium can be cultivated in almost any kind of agricultural
waste, from sawdust to pistachio shells. In nature, mycelium already does many things that
benefit the environment. However, not many people know if mushrooms remain beneficial to the
environment, once turned into a leather-like material… The answer is yes!

How is Mushroom Leather Made?

The idea of making leather-like material from mushrooms goes back to 2012. At that time,
product designers Philip Ross and Jonas Edvard started experimenting with homeware products
made from mycelium. Shortly after, they discover the versatility of this organic material.
“Mycelium can be used to make batteries, spaceships, and fashion. What I am trying to say is
that the use of mycelium is scarily endless,” said Ross at that time.
The process of making mushroom leather begins with selecting and moisturising the right
substrate. Substrates are materials that mushroom use as food and to grow on. Most common
substrates are wood chips, straw, corn, and any materials that the mushroom can attach to and
grow. Then, the substrate is dampened, put it into a bag and pasteurised. This process kills
interfering bacteria, so the mycelium growing process is easier and quicker.

How Long Does It Take to Grow Mushroom Leather?

Once the mycelium spawns, it is inserted into bags. In the bags, the fungi start colonising the
compound. From this point on, the making of mycelium leather requires only time and little
attention. The growing process takes between two to three weeks and depends on several factors:
 Type of mushroom
 Type of substrate used
 Amount of sunlight
 Level of humidity
 Ventilation
When the mass of mycelium reaches the desired size, it is thoroughly extracted from the bag and
compressed to get the expected shape and size.

Can You Make Different Types of Mushroom Fabric?

Right now, there are several ways to make mushroom leather. For example, during the
compression procedure, the manufacturer can alter the material texture and colour. By adding
dyes or changing the pressing form, the output can look and feel like any kind of animal leather,
from cow to alligator, and python skin. Finally, mushroom leather is dried and ready for use.
Moreover, these techniques are enhanced and improved every day.

How Sustainable is Mushroom Leather?

The making process of mushroom leather fits in the spirit of the circular economy and it is fully
sustainable. This natural fibre is biodegradable at the end of its life cycle. Moreover, in this
process, organic waste streams, such as agricultural waste, are valorised.
Also, this type of leather alternative can reduce the need for industrial animal agriculture, the
leading supplier of animal leather for fashion.
One of the fascinating properties of mushroom leather comes from its positive environmental
impact. A positive impact that goes beyond replacing animal leather and synthetic leather… Like
solving the plastic pollution problem.

Mushroom Leather is Closed-Loop

Mushroom leather production is entirely closed-loop. Closed-loop manufacturing in fashion
means that the used materials must come from post-consumer waste. Them these products are
recycled, repurposed, and converted into eco-friendly products. In the making of mushroom
leather, corn cobs, wood chips, and straw are post-consumer waste.
These discarded materials are mixed in with mushroom spawn to create mycelium, that later on
is used to make vegan-friendly leather. Moreover, the waste resulting from the making of
mushroom leather can be reused as a smoking product in beekeeping or as organic crop fertiliser.
Overall, mushroom leather is an environmentally friendly material because it can be grown and
produced without any polluting substances. And, at the end of its life, the material is completely
biodegradable and compostable.

Mushroom Leather is Beneficial for Human Skin

In the apparel industry, mushroom leather is light-weight and very flexible, which makes it
practical for a wide range of products. Moreover, tests conducted by Zvnder, a German company
specialised in mushroom leather accessories show that: “When in direct contact with the skin,
mushroom leather shoes have improved athlete’s foot condition. Even as watch straps, this
material prevents skin irritation in people suffering from eczema.” Also, given its highly
absorbent natural characteristic, mushroom leather can take in a lot of moisture.
As such, shoes made of mushroom leather do not require harmful chemicals sprays to get rid of
bad odours anymore. Another decisive factor for human skin is the material’s unique capacity for
holding a high amount of air. For that, the products made of this material are not only unusually
light but also have an excellent insulating effect.

Most Common Mushrooms to Make Leather From

Right now, the most common type of mycelium used in mushroom leather comes from
commercial Oyster mushrooms. But, there are companies out there using particular types of
mushrooms seeking to obtain unique leather attributes. One of these innovative materials made
from mushrooms is MuSkin. MuSkin is made from Phellinus ellipsoideus, a big parasitic fungus
that grows in the wild and attacks the trees in the subtropical forests.
Another big mushroom leather manufacturer is Bolt Threads. The company is trialling several
types of fungi, and Mylo is their most popular leather alternative to date. The company is very
outspoken about the benefits of replacing animal leather with its unique material.
“As disposable incomes rise around the globe, we won’t be able to meet the demand for meat and
leather consumer goods by exploiting the animals on this planet. By comparison, the mycelia we
grow for Mylo is produced in days, without the resource intensity of raising livestock,” said the
company’s spokesman.
Indeed, the making of mushroom leather requires minimal resource, water, and electricity.
There’s no need to raise livestock, associated greenhouse gases, material waste and so on. In
comparison to synthetic leather made from fuel fossil-based fabrics such as polyurethane and
PVC, mushroom leathers are natural fabrics made from mycelium.

Mushroom Leather Vs Animal Leather

As a consumer, you must decide which material you prefer to wear. To do so, you have to compare and
understand the differences in processing, manufacturing, and benefits of one, over the other.
At first glance, both types of leather look similar. However, these are two products remarkably different
and we’ve put together 9 factors to consider before you make your choice:

1. Creation of pollution
The production of animal leather creates enormous amounts of pollution. A piece of leather ready to be
sold goes through a long process of tanning which requires numerous dyes and chemicals. These
unnecessary artificial chemicals are toxic to people and the environment.
For example, one of the most common problem in tanneries is Chromium contamination. Chromium is a
popular hardening agent used to create animal leather.
Tanneries produce water and solid waste which contain Chromium. Eventually, this metal makes its way
into the water, air, soil, and the food of nearby communities. This chemical is known to cause liver
failure, kidney damage, lung cancer, and premature dementia. It also makes the water undrinkable and it
pollutes the marine life that is eventually used as food.
Finally tanning animal leather harms the environment by filling the air with eye-burning fumes. Research
shows that the air and the soil around the tanneries are so toxic, the places where grass, trees, flowers, and
crops once grew is now replaced by acidic foam.
Although regulations have been put in place to stop pollution since 1986, tanneries continue to use toxic
chemicals. Sadly, animal leather pollution does not stop there.

2. The killing animals

Since most leather is a by-product of the meat industry, we must take into account this
aspect as well. Raising animals to brutally slaughter and use their skin for fashion
presents serious ecological and ethical issues.

3. Consumption of resources
According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation, the meat industry alone
uses roughly about 30 per cent of the world’s ice-free land to support the production of cattle. It
also uses one-third of the world’s fresh water, and accounts for nearly onefifth of the world’s
greenhouse gas emissions.
In comparison, mushroom leather does not require harmful chemicals, water, or energy
expenditure.
4. Ability to recycle and reuse
Moreover, mushroom leather and its substrate can be reused again and again, as postconsumer
waste. However, besides resources depletion, recycling and pollution, there are other factors to
consider when choosing between these two products.

5. Time to manufacture
For once, the time difference that it takes to make these products is enormous! It takes three years
to raise a cattle to a decent size that would allow the grower to get one piece of usable leather.
Three Years!
On the other hand, as mushrooms grow at an exponential rate, it takes only a couple of weeks for
the fungi to consume its substrate completely and to turn it into a leather-like alternative. Instead
of waiting for the material, you, have to keep up with it!

6. Manufacturing flexibility
Another significant factor in the advantage of mushroom leather is its superb manufacturing
flexibility. You can turn its surface look into any shape, size, or animal skin you can think of.
You can create different patterns, colours, and textures that regular leather would never be able to
let you do.
“Fungi are very sensitive and will change their growth in relationship to how they’re being
poked, moved, and so on. For example, if you put it in a cup, it would take the shape of the cup,”
says Ross.

7. Level of quality
Another subject often debated is the quality and resistance of mushroom leather. The fragile look
of mycelium might make you think that this leather can break apart like a piece of paper.
However, there’s nothing to worry about the material ripping apart because several tests have
shown the material to be as strong as deerskin!

8. Cost to make
Finally, the last comparable factor is its price. Right now, mushroom leather costs about the same
as high-end animal leather. The price remains quite high because the amount produced remains
low.
However, companies mentioned above are already working to produce higher volumes and
predict a drop in the manufacturing cost of mushroom leather to just $5 a square foot. $5 per
square foot is cheap than any type of leather anywhere in the world.
Moreover, a lower price than animal leather is key to making mushroom leather succeed in the
future.

9. Mushroom leather smells like….

Oh, one more thing to consider, especially that we are in the fashion business here. How does
mushroom leather smell?
Well, before we start talking about the smell of mushroom leather, you have to know that the
‘nice’ leather smell comes from the chemicals used to make it. Animal skin smells like meat.
However, as animal leather is a human-made product, it is packed with chemicals and other
ingredients to give it extra shine, flexibility, smell, and so on. So, before I got my hands on a few
patches of mushroom leather, I always wondered how it would smell.
Hard to describe the smell; it is not great but not bad either. To me, it has a natural smell, almost
like the books at the library. One thing is for sure; it does not smell like animal leather.
Moreover, knowing what it takes to give animal leather its ‘fresh odour’ that some people love so
much, I prefer the smell of mushroom leather.

What’s Next for Mushroom Leather?

If we take into consideration the above points, it is safe to say that mushroom leather has far
more appeal to designers who choose to work with sustainable materials. And if you have not
heard of luxury shoes made of mushroom leather, get ready as they’re coming soon. Many high-
end designers are already using mushroom leather in their products, and you can order yours
right now.
For example, Stella McCarney’s famous Falabella bag is made with Bolt Threads’ Mylo
mushroom leather. Similarly, Nat-2 a German company known for their high-end sneakers uses
sustainable materials and leather from the Tinder Fungus. This is a rare mushroom that gives the
products a ‘vintage look’.

Factory Name- Mycotech

Product:-
Conclusion

The possibilities of what we can create with mushroom leather are endless. However, as
mushroom leather is arguably still a new material, it needs time to gain reputation, acceptance,
and mass consumption.

Another two main problems impacting the adoption of mushroom leather are: People’s
preconceived idea that animal leather is the best out there. The high cost associated with the
making of this sustainable material. Nevertheless, given the sustainable wave that’s sweeping the
fashion industry right now, it’s not long before mushroom leather gains higher production
volumes and lower manufacturing prices.
Soon, we should see trendy bags, biker jackets, high-heels and accessories from mushroom
leather in shops from all over the world. Also, before we close the article, know that there are
several animal leather alternatives similar to mushroom leathers, such as pineapple leather, apple
leather and even cactus leather.

As fashion designers, it is our job to be informed of the latest sustainable materials and take
advantage of them. Being conscious of the environmental impact of our designs, in combination
with creativity and material innovativeness, can open doors to a more sustainable future.