Can fungi replace synthetic dyes in the future of sustainable fashion?
In short: Mycologists at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, explore the vibrant potential of fungi and lichens as natural textile dyes. This episode reveals how specific species produce striking pigments and examines their unique properties, from color-shifting abilities to ultraviolet fluorescence.
Kew curator-mycologists Issy Miles-Bunch and Rosie Woods showcase specimens from the Fungarium that demonstrate the intersection of mycology and fashion. The bloodred webcap and the cinnamon bracket, which is noted for its color-changing properties, highlight the diversity of pigments available in the fungal kingdom.
The dyer’s polypore is also featured for its ability to glow under UV light. These fungi offer a natural alternative for coloring textiles, prompting questions about the biological mechanisms behind these colors and their potential applications in both laboratory settings and the broader fashion industry.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Mushroom clothes? The surprising link between fungi and fashion | Dig Deeper episode 14 | Kew
- Also: www.kew.org — Are there mushrooms hiding in your clothes? | Kew
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