Revolutionising Textiles: Turning Old Bread into Fabric in Borås
In an innovative breakthrough, researchers at the University of Borås, led by Associate Professor Akram Zamani, have discovered a novel way to transform old bread into textiles. This pioneering project, which has been underway for four years, takes its inspiration from nature’s ability to recycle materials through microscopic fungi. The results of the project could potentially reshape multiple industries, offering environmentally friendly alternatives to current materials.
“We’ve cultivated fungi on leftover bread from grocery stores, which in turn provided us with fungal biomass,” explains Akram Zamani. “This biomass contains thin fibres, which can be used to manufacture yarn, bioplastics, and leather-like materials. We’ve even used the yarn to create textile fabrics.”
Photo: University of Borås
Medical potential: fungal fibres with unique properties
The textile materials created from fungal fibres have shown exceptional properties that could revolutionise the medical sector. According to Zamani, these fibres are naturally resistant to bacteria and can promote the growth of skin cells, meaning they not only prevent ongoing infections but also accelerate the healing process. Potential medical applications include wound dressings and burn treatment bandages. In the long term, this fungal textile could even be developed into clothing for use in healthcare settings.
Sustainable leather and bioplastics
In addition to textile fibres, the fungal biomass has been used to produce a leather-like material and bioplastics. The leather substitute has comparable properties to animal leather.
“The leather-like material is soft and feels like natural leather. It has great potential to replace both animal leather and synthetic alternatives. Unlike other leather options available today, our material is 100% bio-based, and the production process is quick, taking only a few days,” Zamani notes.
The bioplastic created from the fungal biomass could be used in various applications, including food packaging. Being entirely bio-based, it offers an environmentally friendly solution that is easily biodegradable.
Photo: University of Borås
Tackling two major environmental issues
This groundbreaking research addresses two significant environmental challenges. Textile production today has an enormous impact on the environment, while vast amounts of bread are wasted each year in Sweden. By repurposing food waste to produce textiles, the project tackles both issues simultaneously.
“The current methods of textile production are highly damaging to the environment, and at the same time, Sweden throws away vast quantities of bread every year,” Zamani points out. “By repurposing food waste into textile production, we’re addressing both problems in one go.”
Seeking collaborations for future product development
Looking ahead, the research team is actively seeking partnerships to further develop products. The process of creating fungal-based yarn is easy to scale, as the machinery required already exists in the textile, biotechnology, and paper industries.
“Our hope is to see finished products on the market within five to ten years,” concludes Zamani.
This innovation could mark the beginning of a new era in sustainable material production, offering eco-friendly solutions to industries ranging from fashion to healthcare. As researchers continue to develop and refine this process, the potential for positive environmental and economic impact is vast.