Muskin: vegetable leather arrives in force, thanks to mushrooms
Fungi are multicellular or unicellular eukaryotes. The term “fungus” has become ambiguous because it designates an obsolete taxon. This term encompasses both Fungi, Oomycetes, Chytridiomycetes and Myketozoa. (Source Wikipedia)
But let’s stop the botanical descriptions there to focus today on what they can bring us in the textile industry and fashion.
With the growing trend of ethical fashion, a company has invested in plant transformation processes to offer us a second alternative to animal leather, and that’s good.
First of all, MUSKIN is the contraction of mushroom and skin (mushroom and skin). This new material is now used to make bags, belts, watch straps and shoe soles.
Muskin produces a skin that is taken from the mushroom cap and processed in a very similar fashion to that used in the production of animal (but animal-free) leather, yet with a completely natural tanning method. The complete absence of chemicals makes Muskin absolutely non-toxic and therefore ideal for use in the manufacture of articles which come into direct contact with the skin. From laboratory tests, it has been shown that this new type of skin offers truly exceptional performance.
Indeed, Muskin not only reduces the proliferation of bacteria, but it also has a strong capacity to absorb moisture and then release it.
Everything is therefore already in nature!
These two factors are very important: just think of its use for soles for shoes, or a watch strap, and you will easily understand the benefits that Muskin provides. Finally, Muskin is breathable and has already demonstrated natural water repellant characteristics.
This plant material is 100% biodegradable. It looks like a chamois, but it is softer.
100% vegetable, this also means that it is a cruelty-free leather goods product (free from an act of cruelty to animals) and suitable for vegans.
The size of the parts currently usable in industrial production varies between 40×15-20 centimeters. The currently limited quantities are still more than enough to imagine small series productions.
Muskin is made by Grado Zero Espace. in Italy, Tuscany.
Muskin is currently produced in small quantities to produce items in limited series. It is possible to buy raw pieces of muskin (to transform them later), from 50 euros.
MUSKIN is a skin extracted from the cap of a fungus (Fomitiporia ellipsoideus) processed in a manner almost similar to animal skins, by a new patented vegetable tanning process. MUSKIN is non-toxic and therefore ideal for the manufacture of articles in direct contact with the skin. Laboratory tests have demonstrated exceptional performance, such as moisture regulation, antibacterial properties as well as natural water repellency and breathability. ”
About Grado Zero Espace (GZE):
GZE brings together know-how complementary to the disciplines of chemistry, mechanical engineering, aerospace, and textiles in order to offer 360 ° skills in the field of design.
GZE offers its customers a range of services from idea development, through the prototyping phase, to final manufacturing. GZE helps companies to refine their specific analysis and production methods from the control of raw materials to finished products.
#muskin #mushroom #textile #gradozeroespace #newleatherhttps://t.co/XTB1bOwzLC pic.twitter.com/UwKYS4buGV
— DN-MAG (@dnmag01) 22 août 2016
Infos : GRADO ZERO ESPACE / Muskin
Via nove, 2/A – 50056 Montelupo F.no,
Firenze – Italy
Tel.: +39 0571 80368
Fax: +39 1782 700167
www.lifematerials.eu
