A new type of vegan leather in town; and it's made from mushrooms!

Is mushroom leather the future of sustainable fashion? Scientists have developed a new kind of vegan leather manufactured completely from the mushroom root that looks, feels and even smells like genuine leather.

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Mushroom leather is manufactured from mycelium; a material grown from fungi but has the look and feel of calfskin or sheepskin. It has a positive environmental impact that goes beyond replacing animal leather and synthetic leather.

Synthetic leathers are often made from fossil fuel-based fabrics such as polyurethane, PVC and recycled plastic. Although they do not use the animal hide for manufacturing products, they still undergo chemical processing during the process and can have a profound environmental impact.

Apart from these, there are other eco-friendly vegan synthetic leather options that include cactus leather, cork leather, leaf leather, pineapple leather and grain based leather.

Speaking of mushroom leather handbags, it is a must-have for all fashion enthusiasts, especially the ones who have been promoting animal-friendly and cruelty-free products. As per designers, this new product will be more expensive than the normal leather as the material is not very accessible.

Also watch: Luxury brand Hermès bets on vegan fashion with mushroom-based leather bag