MycoWorks plans to start operations on 20 September 2023 in its 136,000-square-foot facility with over 350 employees in a bid to cater to its partners' demands for its luxury leather alternative material, Reishi.

The company describes Reishi as a new category of premium, natural material that features the strength, durability, and feel of the “finest” animal leathers with a minimised ecological footprint.

It also says it has released test results to illustrate how the material can meet luxury standards for material performance without the use of plastics.

MycoWorks board member and former CEO of Hermès Patrick Thomas states: "This is the moment the luxury industry has been waiting for. A plastic-free leather alternative that offers undeniable beauty and performance — at scale."

He suggests that now the challenge of supply has been solved, brands will move quickly to commercialise items made with Reishi.

MycoWorks' fine mycelium production process cultivates mycelium in a controlled environment to harness its natural growth and create Reishi sheets.

Mycoworks explains Reishi has already forged partnerships with major brands in the luxury fashion, home furnishings, and automotive industries, including Hermès, Ligne Roset, and GM.

MycoWorks CEO Matt Scullin points out: "There have been two barriers to the decades-long search for a luxury leather alternative: product quality and scalable manufacturing. In 2016 we eliminated the first by introducing Reishi to the world, and in September 2023 we are answering the question of scale with this state-of-the-art facility in South Carolina.”

MycoWorks board member and DCVC Bio managing partner Kiersten Stead adds: "MycoWorks' Fine Mycelium platform is an unprecedented advancement in materials. Opening the doors on the first commercial-scale factory has MycoWorks poised to answer the luxury industry’s desire to craft objects with natural alternatives to leather.”