Mylo is no stranger to FUTUREVVORLD. The leather alternative is developed by biotech company Bolt Threads, using the root structure of mushrooms (mycelium), and has been applied to numerous conceptual and commercial products like adidas’ Stan Smith and a two-piece collection plus bag prototype by Stella McCartney. A consortium with the sportswear brand, British designer as well as Kering and lululemon was created to further support the development of the bio-based, cruelty-free material. 

lululemon is the latest founding member of the consortium to introduce new Mylo products, creating the world’s first yoga accessories made out of the mushroom-based material. The capsule includes a yoga mat made entirely from Mylo. It features thoughtfully-designed patterns that complement hand and feet placement during yoga sessions, an inspiration from the technical athletic apparel brand’s use of 3D zoned alignment pattens in the Take Form Mat. 

Two bags also feature the material: the Meditation and Yoga Mat Bag and the Barrel Duffel Bag. Mylo can be found in the bags’ woven handles and braided pulls, giving a premium look and feel to the accessories that’s unique to lululemon, but also a nod to sustainability commitments the brand continues to make. 

“As a premium athletic brand, having innovative and proprietary fabrics and other materials that help guests feel their best to perform their best is something we’re proud of,” said lululemon Chief Product Officer Sun Choe. “Sustainable innovation will continue to play a key role in the future of retail and product, and for us, leveraging a material like Mylo demonstrates our commitment to creating a healthier environment through lower-impact products, while also giving us the ability to reimagine iconic pieces in our line through a sustainability lens.”

lululemon’s sustainability commitments were outlined in October 2020 with the release of its first Impact Agenda. The brand’s priority was/is to create a multiyear strategy on social and environmental efforts as well as plans on how to create and promote a healthier future. That includes making 100% of its products with sustainable materials, like Mylo, by 2030 and investing $75 million USD in the next five years “to advance equity in well-being in lululemon’s communities around the world.” 

The brand also introduced a buy-back, circularity program in April 2021, where customers can trade in used lululemon workout gear for credit. The used apparel will then be cleaned and resold with full profits being reinvested into the brand’s sustainability initiatives, like circular product designs, renewal and recycling services, and environmental programs at the local store level. 

The lululemon Mylo bags will be available for purchase in early 2022. Currently, the mat is just a proof of concept, so there’s no word if it’ll ever release to the public. 

In other material partnership news, Patagonia recently inked a multiyear deal with Infinited Fiber Company.