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Matter at the root
The innovation that is currently attracting all attention is located in the root network of mushrooms. Mycelium, a fibrous network derived from the substrate of a fungal culture, can be compared to felt, and has the advantage of being thermoformable, resistant to shocks and of being breathable and hydrophobic.
Agricultural waste or cotton cellulose serves as enzymatic catalysts for these cultures, which grow into a dense mat of interconnected cells. This transformation takes place under the control of a specific temperature and humidity, in order to promote the development of these fungal moss.
The mycelium mat can then be stabilized through tanning, or finished with a coating from green chemistry processes, then embossed to give a grain to the final material.
No miracle solution, these materials are part of a register of innovation, and plant the seeds of the exemplary materials of tomorrow. Between promising laboratory research, pilot projects, to finally achieve solutions available on a large scale, the road is long, and fashion will have to be patient and evolve at the same time as these innovative technologies.