Why innovative ‘bio-materials’ are still more sci-fi than fashion revolution

Biofabricated materials grown from fungi and bacteria are frequently showcased as the future of sustainable fashion, but they have yet to make a significant impact on the high street. As The Conversation tells it, the gap exists because these living systems struggle with the consistency and scale required by global manufacturers. Furthermore, the environmental benefit of these materials is not guaranteed, as many still require energy-intensive processing or chemical coatings to be durable. Moving these innovations from the lab to the wardrobe will require new supply chains and a deeper understanding of where these materials offer genuine utility over traditional textiles.

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