# Bio-Leather Fungal Protectants Emma van der Leest Developed a Fungal Coating for Bio-Leather By Elena Rahman | Published 2021-11-02 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fungal-coating References: [dezeen](https://www.dezeen.com/2021/11/01/fungkee-emma-van-der-leest-fungal-coating-bioleather/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+dezeen+%28Dezeenfeed%29) & [emmavanderleest](https://emmavanderleest.com/)  Dutch designer, Emma van der Leest, developed a [fungal coating](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mattress-foam) 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/scoby) 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 ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.7/10 - Popularity: 2% | Activity: 10% | Freshness: 10% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Bio-leather Sustainability:** There is a need for the development of sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives to animal leather utilizing materials that can biodegrade, such as fungi. - **Fungal Coatings:** The exploration of utilizing fungi as a coating can lead to the creation of more functional and versatile materials that can meet various industry applications. - **Plant-based Leather:** Innovations in the development of plant-based leathers can provide a more environmentally conscious option in the fashion industry. ### Where This Applies - **Fashion:** The fashion industry can benefit from utilizing more eco-friendly and biodegradable materials, such as bio-leather, to align with consumer demands. - **Biotech:** Biotech companies can explore the use of fungi as a sustainable alternative to traditionally utilized materials in the creation of protective coatings. - **Environmental Services:** Environmental services companies can expand their offerings by providing solutions and resources for the development and scaling of sustainable materials, such as bio-leather with fungal protectants. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Mushroom Leather Seating Solutions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mushroom-leather-seating.md) - [Cruelty-Free Leather Alternatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crueltyfree-leather-alternative.md) - [Fruit-Based Leather Alternatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/peelsphere.md) - [PETA-Approved Leather Alternatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/biodegradable-leather-alternative.md) - [Mycelium Leather Bags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/myco-travel-pouch.md) - [Sustainable Design Materials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mycoworks-reishi.md) - [Luxury Mycelium Bags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stella-mccartney-frayme-mylo.md) - [Furry Mycelium Sustainable Chairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aifunghi.md) - [Living Footwear Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jessica-thies-synthiesis.md)