The fashion industry is known for its significant ecological footprint. To reduce this impact, an interdisciplinary team from the University of Groningen is focusing on an innovative alternative: clothing made from mycelium, the root network of fungi. Thanks to a jubilee grant of €100.000 from the Gratama Foundation, they can continue this promising research.
A collaboration between science and consumer behavior
The project “Bio-fabricating mycelium textiles for sustainable fashion” is led by associate professor Marijke Leliveld (Faculty of Economics and Business) and professor Marleen Kamperman (Faculty of Science and Engineering). Together with special professor Kim Poldner and designer Tjeerd Veenhoven, they combine material science with behavioral psychology to improve both the technical properties of mycelium textiles and increase their acceptance among consumers.
Mycelium is fully biodegradable, grows quickly and can be cultivated in various forms. However, the material is currently too fragile for large-scale application in clothing. The research team aims to overcome these limitations and at the same time gain insight into how consumers respond to clothing made from fungi. According to Leliveld, it is essential to understand what attracts or deters consumers when using new materials, so that the product can be both technically and commercially successful.
International interest in mycelial textiles
Globally, both established fashion houses and emerging brands are showing interest in mycelium as a sustainable material. Brands such as Stella McCartney and Hermès have already experimented with mushroom leather in their collections. The research by the University of Groningen ties in with this trend and contributes to the development of circular business models in the fashion industry.
The awarding of the Gratama Jubilee Gift took place during the symposium “The Future of Textiles: Creating Sustainable Ecosystems”, preceding the inaugural speech of Kim Poldner as special professor of Regional and Circular Economic Development. With this grant, the researchers hope to make a significant contribution to the sustainability of the fashion industry and to promote the acceptance of innovative materials such as mycelium.
Source: rug.nl
