From Fungi to the Future: MYCL x BioClub Tokyo

In the increasingly urgent quest to reduce humanity’s carbon footprint, more and more people are rethinking the materials in their daily lives. One of those materials is leather, which is well-known for its longevity as well as its high environmental impact. In the past decade, there have been significant developments in the plant-based leather space, including the rise of MycoTech Lab (MYCL).

MYCL is a mushroom-based materials startup based in Indonesia. Since 2015, they have been experimenting with applications of mycelium, the thread-like “roots” that may fruit into mushrooms. Their lineup of sustainable materials includes their flagship product, the mushroom leather Mylea™, and a mushroom mycelium composite that can be grown into shapes like stools and lamps.

On Tuesday, March 25th, MYCL’s co-founder and chief business development officer Ronaldiaz Hartantyo will speak to the BioClub community about MYCL’s mission and vision for the future.

Ronaldiaz comes from an architectural background, where his studies in vernacular architecture led him to think deeply about sustainability in his home country of Indonesia. Every year, only a tiny fraction of Indonesian agricultural waste is converted into compost — how could that number grow? By using that waste to grow mushrooms.

MYCL’s signature leather alternative Mylea™ is grown on a substrate made from agricultural waste. It’s not just better for the environment — Mylea ™ is waterproof, durable, and has comparable tensile strength to traditional cow leather. MYCL is still growing, but they’ve already made great strides: in 2022, Mylea™ was featured at Paris Fashion Week. Additionally, since winning the 2024 Earthshot Prize, they’ve been selected for the 2024 La Biennale di Venezia.

BioClub is excited to host Ronaldiaz Hartantyo and share his work with MYCL with our community. Join us for his free talk on Tuesday, March 25th!