Emma van der Leest Developed a Fungal Coating for Bio-Leather
Elena Rahman — November 2, 2021 — Eco
References: emmavanderleest & dezeen
Dutch designer, Emma van der Leest, developed a fungal coating to better protect bio-leather. The designer is hopeful that bio-leather will replace animal leather in the fashion industry. To advance one step closer to her environmental aspirations, van der Leest created a protectant coating out of fungi to make the material more versatile.
Many plant-based leathers are not fully biodegradable due to the small amount of polyurethane included in its composition, which is used as a water-repellent. The designer explores whether fungus can replace the microplastics to truly sustainably plant-based leather materials and 100% biodegradable. As of now, the designer's formula is in its Beta stages with a speculative brand identity in the works called Fungkee.
Image Credit: Emma van der Leest
Many plant-based leathers are not fully biodegradable due to the small amount of polyurethane included in its composition, which is used as a water-repellent. The designer explores whether fungus can replace the microplastics to truly sustainably plant-based leather materials and 100% biodegradable. As of now, the designer's formula is in its Beta stages with a speculative brand identity in the works called Fungkee.
Image Credit: Emma van der Leest
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