Bolt Threads is a biotechnology company that creates sustainable materials through advanced bioengineering techniques. Their innovative products cater to the textiles, skincare, hair care, and cosmetics industries. Key products include Mylo™, B-Silk Protein™, and Microsilk™. Mylo™ is a leather-like material derived from mycelium, the root structure of mushrooms. Grown in a vertical farming system powered entirely by renewable energy, mycelium matures in approximately two weeks. Post-harvest, it is processed into sheets of soft biomaterial. The final product, treated by a Leather Working Group (LWG) gold-rated tannery, mimics traditional leather with 50% fewer synthetic components. B-Silk Protein™ is a biobased, vegan polypeptide designed for beauty and personal care products. It outperforms silicone elastomers by providing a weightless defense against environmental aggressors like pollution and blue light. This silk protein is bioengineered from spider silk proteins, fermented in a lab using yeast, sugar, and water, and then purified into a powder for various formulations. Microsilk™ employs a similar bioengineering process to B-Silk™. Spider silk proteins are fermented, isolated, purified, and spun into fibers similar to rayon and acrylic. These fibers are knitted into fabrics and garments, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional textiles. Bolt Threads collaborates with brands such as Stella McCartney, Adidas, and Lululemon to incorporate these sustainable materials into commercial products. This approach significantly reduces the use of harmful chemicals, water, and energy consumption, lowering CO2 emissions and substantially impacting the textile and fashion industries.
