Greener Pastures Pledge Announced at Web Summit '22
November, 2022
This week Bolt Threads Founder and CEO Dan Widmaier was invited to speak alongside GANNI CEO Nicolaj Reffstrup at Web Summit 2022 in Lisbon, Portugal. The summit is an annual gathering of great minds and innovative companies redefining the global tech industry, covering topics from material innovation to climate activism. In an on-stage conversation moderated by Refinery29 editor, Ebony-Renee Baker, Bolt Threads announced a new program that will give preferential access to Mylo for brands who commit to eliminating the use of virgin animal leather in their products.
The Greener Pastures Pledge
Mylo, Bolt Threads’ signature mycelium-based material, has emerged the “mushroom leather” of choice for brands including GANNI, Stella McCartney, and lululemon, and more. These industry-leading companies have leveraged the material as part of their sustainability efforts, launching an array of lower-impact products and driving an extraordinary demand for the material as Bolt Threads actively scales production. Designed to galvanize emerging brands eager to get their hands on Mylo, The Greener Pastures Pledge offers an opportunity for priority access in exchange for a deeper commitment to material change.
Inspired by GANNI
The pledge is largely inspired by our ongoing collaboration with GANNI () and the Danish brand’s bold commitment to phase out virgin animal leather from their collections by 2023. GANNI, who recently received B-Corp certification, recognizes that while leather products account for around 9% of their sales, the animal-based material is a key contributor to their emissions and the time to phase out the status-quo material is now.
In 2021, GANNI announced they would introduce Mylo into their product line as part of their “Fabrics of the Future” initiative, an industry-leading effort to support meaningful material innovation. After launching an exclusive collection of handbags and small leather goods made from Mylo earlier this year, GANNI plans to unveil more Mylo products in 2023.
A Call for Collaboration
While new materials can take decades to reach mass scale adoption, Bolt Threads has sought to expedite the process through strategic brand partnerships with mission-aligned brands committed to driving awareness of its benefits. Brands who make the pledge and begin working with Mylo will join the ranks of adidas, Kering, lululemon, and Stella McCartney, who were early investors in the development of the material.
Created by the world-class scientists at Bolt Threads, Mylo is an innovative material made from mycelium, the underground root-like structure of mushrooms. Often referred to as “mushroom leather,” Mylo is certified biobased, vegan, and free of harmful chemicals like chromium and DMFa, common to animal and synthetic leather production. The mycelium utilized for Mylo is grown in state-of-the-art vertical farming facilities powered by 100% renewable energy.
Ready to join a like-minded lineup of brands moving beyond animal leather? To sign the pledge and receive preferential access to Mylo, send inquires to greenerpastures@mylo-unleather.com.