Italian biotech company SQIM has launched Ephea Uma, a mycelium-based material now featured in a global luxury accessories collection, marking a significant entry of bio-fabricated mycelium material into the luxury sector. Grown through low-impact biotechnology, Ephea is positioned as a new material category rather than an alternative to existing materials, showcasing innovation in the industry.

The launch of Ephea Uma signifies a defining moment for next-generation materials, with SQIM not disclosing the specific brands involved in the collection or the scale of the rollout. The mycelium materials sector has garnered interest from various companies in recent years, with SQIM raising €11 million in a Series A round in 2024 and operating two material brands: Ephea and Mogu, targeting different industries such as fashion, accessories, and interior design.

SQIM aims to create materials that combine aesthetics, ethics, and performance, expanding excellence in creating sustainable materials that inspire, elevate, and respect both people and the planet. With increasing focus on eco-friendly alternatives in the luxury sector, the use of mycelium-based materials in luxury accessories showcases a pioneering step towards sustainable innovation in the fashion industry.