A new generation of biomaterials is beginning to reshape supply chains across fashion, automotive and furniture industries as companies experiment with alternatives to traditional leather, plastics and petroleum-based materials. Designers and manufacturers are increasingly turning to lab-grown and plant-based materials that promise lower environmental impact while maintaining the durability and aesthetic qualities required for luxury products. One of the most notable developments involves the use of mycelium-based biomaterials, derived from the root-like structures of fungi. Biotechnology firm MycoWorks has developed a material platform known as Fine Mycelium that can be engineered into sheet-like structures designed to mimic the strength and texture of leather. These materials are already being tested in high-end design applications, including automotive interiors and luxury furniture.
The material’s flagship product, known as Reishi, is grown using a controlled biological process that shapes the mycelium as it develops. The resulting sheets can then be finished through traditional tanning methods to produce surfaces similar to natural leather but with significantly lower carbon emissions and reduced reliance on animal agriculture. Automotive design has become one of the most visible testing grounds for these materials. Concept vehicles from major carmakers have begun incorporating mycelium-based surfaces as part of efforts to reduce the environmental footprint of vehicle interiors. The shift reflects a broader industry trend toward sustainable materials as automakers attempt to align product design with climate targets and evolving consumer expectations. Furniture manufacturers are also experimenting with biomaterials. Iconic design products, including reinterpretations of classic lounge chairs, are being produced with plant-based or biodegradable upholstery alternatives developed by advanced materials companies. These materials combine fibres derived from plants with bio-engineered compounds designed to replicate the feel and performance of leather while avoiding petroleum-based plastics. Companies such as MycoWorks and von Holzhausen are among the innovators driving this transformation. The latter specialises in plant-based materials and biodegradable plastics used across industries including fashion accessories, automotive interiors and furniture manufacturing. Designers say the rise of biomaterials reflects a deeper shift in how luxury industries approach sustainability. Rather than simply reducing emissions in manufacturing, many companies are rethinking the raw materials used in their products. Biomaterials allow designers to grow or engineer materials with specific textures, colours and structural properties, opening new possibilities in both aesthetics and performance. Another emerging player in the field is Balena, which focuses on biodegradable thermoplastic materials designed to replace synthetic plastics in footwear and consumer goods. Innovations like these illustrate how biomaterial platforms are expanding beyond leather alternatives to address broader sustainability challenges across consumer products.
Industry analysts believe these developments could significantly reshape global material supply chains over the coming decade. Traditional materials such as animal leather and petroleum-based plastics face increasing scrutiny due to environmental concerns, regulatory pressures and changing consumer preferences. Biomaterials offer an alternative pathway by combining biotechnology with manufacturing processes capable of producing scalable, traceable and lower-impact materials. While these technologies remain in early stages of commercialisation, early collaborations between biomaterial companies and major design brands suggest that sustainable materials could soon become a defining feature of next-generation products across multiple industries.
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Sustainable Biomaterials Gain Ground Across Design Industries
