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Zvnder
Material Name:
FUNGISKIN
Biomimicry:
Leather
Main Input:
Plant-derived
Founded:
2017
HQ:
Germany
TRL:
3
About the Company
ZVNDER was founded in 2017 by designer Nina Fabert after material studies and research on processing of tinder fungus (Fomes fomentarius).
Material
FUNGISKIN is cut from a single mushroom body and varies in size, color, and shape accordingly. It cannot be produced in large sheets. Because it is an entirely natural product, FUNGISKIN shows traces of use over time and is sensitive to moisture and dirt. According to the company, FUNGISKIN feels soft due to its high air content, which also gives it insulating properties.
Technology
ZVNDER sources tinder fungus (Fomes fomentarius) from local artists from the Transylvanian region in Romania, who have been harvesting this mushroom since the 1850s. In the Berlin- based ZVNDER studio, FUNGISKIN is used in handmade products, based on the characteristics of each piece and according to the motto: form follows material. No chemicals are used in the production process. Coatings and cotton backings are sometimes used to protect the material from moisture and to make it more durable.
Applications
Accessories, Footwear.
Selected Brand Partnerships
COILEX used Zvnder fungus leather to create the nat-2™ vegan sneaker line. The sneakers are made by hand in Italy from tinder fungus, microfiber suede from recycled PET bottles, cork insoles, and rubber outsoles.
