Development of Mycelium Leather (Mylea) from Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch (OPEFB) Waste Using White Rot Fungi as a Renewable Leather Material

This study aimed to produce and characterize mycelium leather (Mylea) derived from oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB). Variations in OPEFB composition (10%, 20%, 30%, and 40%) were tested using a 10% w/w Ganoderma lucidum inoculum. The mycelium underwent boiling, plasticization, drying, pressing, waxing, and Tencel fabric reinforcement to form Mylea. The physical, mechanical, and flammability properties of OPEFB-based Mylea were evaluated as a potential animal leather substitute. The highest tensile strength (8.47 MPa) was observed in the 0% OPEFB sample due to reinforcement with the Tencel fabric layer. Meanwhile, the 20% OPEFB sample after drying exhibited a tensile strength of 5.78 MPa and a lower elastic modulus (14.48 MPa), indicating increased flexibility but reduced stiffness. Among the tested compositions, 20% OPEFB provided the best balance between growth time and material quality. Flammability tests showed that Mylea with 20% OPEFB had a longer burn time (43.5 ± 7.78 s) compared to 0% OPEFB (21.0 ± 1.41 s). However, the addition of OPEFB did not improve fire resistance, as none of the samples met UL 94 V-0, V-1, or V-2 standards.