Bolt Threads develops sustainable biomaterials, such as Mylo made from mycelium and Microsilk derived from spider silk proteins, using biotechnology and fermentation processes. These materials provide eco-friendly alternatives to traditional leather and textiles, addressing the environmental impact of the fashion and beauty industries.
Funding
$115M raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
Founders
Product
Problem
The fashion and beauty industries rely heavily on traditional materials like leather and petroleum-based polymers, which contribute to environmental pollution through toxic processes, non-biodegradable waste, and unsustainable resource consumption. There is a need for materials that minimize environmental impact and promote ethical production practices.
Solution
Bolt Threads develops and manufactures sustainable biomaterials using biotechnology and fermentation processes, offering eco-friendly alternatives to conventional textiles and ingredients. Their materials platform includes Mylo, a bio-based leather alternative made from mycelium, and b-silk™ and xl-silk™ polypeptides, sustainably-produced textiles spun from proteins. By mimicking nature's processes and utilizing renewable inputs like yeast, sugar, and water, Bolt Threads creates materials designed for effective formulations with a strong focus on sustainability.
Target Audience
Bolt Threads serves brands in the fashion, beauty, and personal care industries seeking sustainable, high-performance materials and ingredients to enhance their product offerings and reduce their environmental footprint.
Features
- Mylo: A bio-based leather alternative made from mycelium, offering a soft, supple feel and abrasion resistance without the use of animals.
- b-silk™ and xl-silk™: Sustainably-produced polypeptides suitable for beauty and personal care formulations.
- Production via fermentation: Utilizes yeast, sugar, and water to replicate and refine nature’s processes.
- EWG verification: B-silk protein is EWG verified to meet strict safety standards.
- Leaping Bunny Certification: B-silk protein is Leaping Bunny Certified to be cruelty-free.
- Potential for biodegradability: Protein-based materials have the potential to biodegrade, reducing microfiber pollution.
- Renewable inputs: Materials are made using renewable resources, such as sugar from plants.
- Ethical labor and production practices: Strict ethical standards are enforced throughout the supply chain.