What is Bolt Threads?
Bolt Threads is a biotechnology agency inspired by nature. They create eco-conscious, innovative materials used in fashion and beauty products.
More specifically, they synthesize materials out of natural substances to benefit people and the environment. Their latest materials are made from resources like mycelium and yeast!
Based in San Francisco, Bolt Threads provides their products to brands all over the world. Most notably, Stella McCartney, adidas and lululemon.
Their mission is to improve the lives of both consumers and the environment through their eco-conscious products.
What is Mylo?
Mylo Unleather is a sustainable leather alternative synthesized from mycelium, the root-like structure of a fungus. Mycelium are the millions of threads interwoven beneath a mushroom. They act as the fungus’s nutrient absorber from its environment.
Bolt Threads synthesized Mylo after recognizing the need for a renewable alternative to traditional leather. With Mylo, Bolt Threads skips the over-farming, toxic materials and hazardous work environment required of leather production.
Opting instead for a soft, natural ”unleather” made from nature!
Mylo was introduced in 2018, but has already had a prolific career in fashion.
Stella McCartney used Mylo to create a black bustier top and structured joggers in 2021. The ensemble isn’t available for purchase. It instead serves as a window into the future of sustainable luxury fashion.
Adidas also used Mylo in 2021 to create the Stan Smith Mylo sneaker.
Mylo is endlessly versatile like leather. It’s also soft, durable and strong like leather.
Unlike leather, it’s sustainable, cruelty-free and environmentally friendly. It’s the ideal response to traditional leather!
What is B-Silk Protein?
B-silk protein is a beauty compound made from yeast. It’s used to replace ingredients like keratin and silicone.
B-silk protein acts as a defense to negative environmental agents like blue light and pollution. Plus like keratin, silicone and other compounds added in beauty products, B-silk protein is stable and an easy addition to a variety of formulas.
Vegamour is a high-profile supporter of B-silk protein. The brand integrated it into their GRO shampoo and conditioner.
What is Microsilk?
Micosilk is Bolt Threads’s renewable answer to traditional silk. Similar to B-silk protein, Microsilk is made from yeast that is bioengineered with certain genes.
Once the protein exponentially multiplies, the purified silk protein is isolated then spun into fibers. These fibers are then the basis of the perfect silk alternative – Microsilk.
Microsilk is renewable, sustainable and environmentally friendly. It has the softness and sheen of traditional silk without its damaging impact!
Many designers recognize the material as innovative and versatile.
Stella McCartney, Best Made Co. and adidas have all created products using Microsilk. And in each of its applications, the material works seamlessly.
Final Word
Bolt Threads is an innovator in the sustainable fashion and beauty industries. Their cutting-edge approach to natural material synthesis is setting a new standard for circularity.
Their mission of improving the lives of their consumers and the environment is supported by top fashion houses like Stella McCartney and adidas. That’s just within the last year!
Bolt Threads established itself as a trailblazer for renewable materials. And we can’t wait to see what they come up with next!
References
- Bolt Threads’s Website
- Mylo-unleather.com
- Stella McCartney x Mylo
- Stan Smith Mylo Made Using Mushrooms
- Bolt Threads’s B-silk protein
- Bolt Threads’s Microsilk