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https://www.designforsocialchange.org/journal/index.php/DISCERN-J 

 

ISSN 2184-6995 

 

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 

International License. 

 

  

 

 

 

Sustainable fashion tech innovation: A case study of Bolt Threads’ 

redefinition of fashion systems, design activism and social 
entrepreneurship 
 
Anel van Rooyen 
 

Published online: November 2024 

 
To cite this article:  

van Rooyen, A. (2024). Sustainable fashion tech innovation: A case study of Bolt Threads’ redefinition of 

fashion systems, Design Activism, and social entrepreneurship. Discern: International Journal of Design for 

Social Change, Sustainable Innovation and Entrepreneurship, 5(2), 1-13. 

 

 

  



 

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Sustainable fashion tech innovation: A case study of Bolt Threads’ 

redefinition of fashion systems, design activism and social 

entrepreneurship 
 
Anel van Rooyena 

 
aSTADIO School of Fashion, Johannesburg, 2194, South Africa. Anelv@stadio.ac.za 

 

Abstract 

This research article explores the transformative journey of Bolt Threads, a pioneering biomaterials firm 

operating at the intersection of biotechnology and fashion. First, the research paper sets the background 

and provides the research question. Second, the existing literature is reviewed to investigate sustainable 

entrepreneurship within the fashion industry, exploring sustainable fashion concepts and highlighting 

sustainable entrepreneurs’ challenges. Third, the research paper examines Bolt Threads as a case study  

to redefine fashion systems, design activism, cultural sustainability, design for social change and social 

entrepreneurship. The case study thoroughly examines Bolt Threads’ founding story, business model, 

innovative technologies and strategic initiatives, underscoring the company’s dedication to sustainability 

and technological advancement. This case study analyses Bolt Threads collaborations with renowned 

fashion brands, financial strategies, the potential for industry-wide adoption and outlook. Bolt Threads 

demonstrates that sustainable innovation requires thinking beyond traditional materials and methods. This 

approach shows that transformative change in sustainability involves looking outside the industry’s usual 

practices and integrating technology in unexpected ways, which can lead to groundbreaking materials that 

still align with fashion’s functional and aesthetic standards. Partnerships with major players help start-ups 

accelerate market acceptance, increase consumer trust and create broader demand for sustainable 

products. These alliances demonstrate that aligning with influential brands can be a strategic move  

for sustainable companies seeking scalability and industry-wide adoption. 

 

Keywords: Fashion design, Sustainability, Social awareness, Social responsibility, Biotechnology 

 

Introduction 

Mehta (2024) cites Deborah Golden, Deloitte’s U.S. chief innovation officer, who said, “Innovation 

readiness encompasses more than just adopting new technologies, tracking specific metrics, or embracing 

the latest buzzword.” In other words, innovation readiness goes beyond surface-level actions or superficial 

changes. This quote highlights that innovation readiness goes beyond adopting new technologies or 

following trends. Instead, it requires a more profound commitment and understanding of innovation. Bolt 

Threads, a company focused on sustainable materials, such as micro silk, MyloTM and B-silk protein, aligns 

with this quote by demonstrating an integrated approach to innovation. 

 

This research paper addresses the following research question: How do emerging sustainable fashion tech 

start-ups, exemplified by Bolt Threads, contribute to the redefinition of fashion systems, incorporating 

design activism, cultural sustainability and social entrepreneurship, and what role do designers play in 

navigating and influencing policy for sustainable fashion practices? By integrating design activism, cultural 

sustainability and social entrepreneurship concepts, this research offers a novel approach to understanding 

sustainable fashion systems beyond environmental considerations, encompassing broader societal impacts 

and ethical dimensions inherent in the fashion industry’s evolution. The aim is to gain valuable insights to 



 

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effectively address the sustainability challenges in fashion and textiles. As an outstanding sustainable 

fashion tech start-up, Bolt Threads plays a crucial role in reshaping fashion systems, advocating design 

activism, promoting cultural sustainability, driving design for social change and embodying principles  

of social entrepreneurship. This research paper addresses the innovative technologies employed by Bolt 

Threads, such as the biofabrication of silk through the fermentation of yeast, which challenges traditional 

material production methods (Seltenrich, 2015). 

 

Literature review 

This literature review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the nuances within sustainable 

entrepreneurship in the fashion industry, exploring the concepts, trends and challenges that define this 

evolving landscape. 

 

Sustainable fashion: Concepts, diverse perspectives and entrepreneurial influence 

The fashion sector, with a global valuation of $1.3 trillion and employing over 300 million individuals,  

is a crucial economic force and a significant contributor to the global GDP (Amed & Berg, 2018; BCG, 2019). 

Amidst intense competition and growing uncertainty, firms within this vast industry must adapt swiftly to 

remain competitive, as highlighted in market analyses by prestigious consultancy firms such as McKinsey, 

Deloitte Group and BCG (Gazzola et al., 2020). Additionally, with advancements in medicine and other 

factors leading to a rise in global life expectancy, fashion brands have a unique opportunity to cater to both 

younger and older demographics simultaneously, emphasizing the need for diversified business strategies 

and marketing approaches (Gazzola et al., 2020). 

 

Sustainability is emerging as a prominent concept in the fashion industry, aiming to address its 

shortcomings. While academic groundwork in this area has been established by scholars such as  

de Brito et al. (2008) and Fletcher (2010), there remains a lack of consensus on the definition of 

sustainability, which can be interpreted differently based on various perspectives and contexts  

(Henninger et al., 2016). Multiple approaches representing a comprehensive range of sustainability 

considerations in the fashion industry have been proposed, encompassing both environmental and  

social dimensions (Henninger et al., 2016; Köksal et al., 2017; Mukendi et al., 2020). 

 

Concepts such as eco-fashion, slow fashion, green fashion, ethical fashion and sustainable fashion have 

emerged as prominent approaches to addressing these concerns (Mukendi et al., 2020; Thomas, 2008). 

According to Hofman et al. (2022, p. 4), citing Kozlowski et al. (2018, p. 183), entrepreneurs, particularly 

fashion designers and founders, play an essential role in promoting sustainability within the fashion 

industry. Many of these entrepreneurs are driven by personal beliefs and values, aiming to provide 

alternatives to the mass market and challenge the practices of fast fashion players (Kozlowski et al.,  

2018, p. 183), as highlighted by (Hofman et al., 2022, p. 4). This underscores the importance of individual 

commitment and values in propelling the sustainable fashion movement (Hofman et al., 2022, p. 4). 

 

Textile consumption trends 

From 1990 to 2018, the data indicate that the actual prices of footwear and clothing in the United States 

plummeted by half (Ryan, 2021). Moreover, a recent report from the European Union (EU) has underscored 

the significant environmental and climate change impact of textile consumption, ranking it as the fourth-

highest contributor, following food, housing and mobility (Glasner, 2023). Textiles also represent the  

third-highest water and land-use consumption category (Glasner, 2023). 



 

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In response to these challenges, the EU has introduced a sustainable and circular textiles strategy, aiming 

for all textile products introduced to the market by 2030 to possess the qualities of being “durable, 

repairable, and recyclable” (Glasner, 2023). Additionally, these products should consist of recycled fibres, 

be free of hazardous substances and be manufactured in adherence to social rights and environmental 

considerations (Glasner, 2023). Highlighting the environmental and climate change repercussions of 

textiles, particularly their standing as the fourth-largest contributor (Glasner, 2023), underscores the urgent 

need for innovative solutions. In this context, Bolt Threads’ biofabrication of silk and unwavering dedication 

to sustainability (Seltenrich, 2015) seamlessly align with the imperative to address these challenges. 

 

Challenges faced by sustainable entrepreneurs 

Sustainable entrepreneurs and small businesses encounter significant customer interaction challenges 

(Hofman et al., 2022). Given the diverse forms and approaches of sustainable fashion, entrepreneurs and 

small business managers struggle to predict and align customer and stakeholder expectations with their 

ideas and concepts (Kozlowski et al., 2018; Todeschini et al., 2017; Štefko & Steffek, 2018). 

 

This complexity within sustainable fashion makes it challenging for businesses to anticipate consumer 

preferences accurately. Moreover, sustainable fashion companies face a continuous demand from the 

market for new products featuring innovative design elements (Hofman et al., 2022). Discovering 

innovative aspects of sustainable materials, functions or production methods for each new fashion season 

poses a difficulty (Rindova et al., 2005). However, effectively addressing this challenge can enhance  

a company’s reputation and create new value propositions (Rindova et al., 2005). Ultimately, successfully 

managing the quest for innovation in sustainability can provide a competitive advantage for fashion 

companies (Rindova et al., 2005). 

 

Golden, as cited by Mehta (2024), underscores the current era in which various technologies, industries and 

ideas converge, emphasizing the value of diversity in thought and expertise (Mehta, 2024). Organizations 

can access a more comprehensive range of ideas and resources by engaging with a broader ecosystem that 

includes internal resources and external partners, such as start-ups, academic institutions and competitors 

(Mehta, 2024). Recognizing the importance of incorporating social aspects of sustainability into business 

models is fundamentally a cultural factor (Hristov et al., 2022). However, a significant challenge to 

effectively integrating social dimensions into business models is the prevailing managerial focus on short-

term economic and financial outcomes, which undermines adopting sustainable values offering long-term 

benefits (Hristov et al., 2022). Achieving sustainability requires ongoing investments and a consistent focus 

on product and service quality, worker health and safety and equity and climate change  

(Hristov et al., 2022). 

 

Methodology 

A case study approach allows for a detailed and comprehensive analysis of a real-world example within the 

context of sustainable entrepreneurship in the fashion industry (Yin, 2009). The case study approach was 

chosen for two main reasons. First, it allows for an in-depth examination of a real-world example, providing 

rich and detailed insights (Yin, 2009) into the complexities of sustainable entrepreneurship in the fashion 

industry. Second, it enables researchers to explore the dynamic interactions between several factors  

(Priya, 2021) within a specific organizational context, such as business models, technologies and  

strategic initiatives. 

 



 

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Data collection methods: Online web publications 

The chosen sources provide a comprehensive and diverse understanding of Bolt Threads, its founding story 

and the impact of its innovative technologies on the fashion and sustainability industries. Bolt Threads’ 

official website, notably the “Bolt’s Founding Story” and “Bolt Impact” pages, offers insights into the 

company’s background, values and contribution to sustainability, as seen in Table 1. News articles from 

reputable sources, such as Fortune, Business Insider and Forbes, were included to provide external 

perspectives on Bolt Threads’ breakthroughs, collaborations and industry influence and are also included  

in Table 1. Table 1 also includes articles from Vogue, W Magazine and Business of Fashion, which explore 

the broader impact of Bolt Threads’ technologies on the fashion world, especially in collaborations with 

renowned brands such as Stella McCartney, Adidas, Patagonia and Lululemon. This research paper aims to 

draw on these varied sources to present a well-rounded analysis of Bolt Threads’ trajectory and influence. 

 

Rationale for chosen sources. 

The chosen sources collectively provide a comprehensive overview of Bolt Threads’ history, technological 

innovations, collaborations, industry impact and outlook. These diverse perspectives enable a well-rounded 

analysis of the company’s role in the intersection of biotechnology and sustainable fashion. 

 

Table 1: Identification and description of sources.  

 

Source Description 

Bolt Threads’ Founding 

Story 

Insights into the company’s origins, initial challenges and milestones, offering 

a foundational understanding of Bolt Threads’ journey. 

Fortune Article on 

Synthetic DNA 

Explores potential technological breakthroughs, specifically synthetic DNA, 

providing insights into the broader technological landscape and its relevance 

to Bolt Threads’ innovative processes. 

W Magazine on 

Mushrooms in Fashion 

Investigates the spread of mushrooms in fashion, offering a unique 

perspective on the sustainable future of the fashion industry, focusing on the 

role of mushrooms, an essential aspect of Bolt Threads’ materials. 

Business Insider on 

Spider Silk Necktie 

Highlights a specific product, a spider silk necktie, shedding light on Bolt 

Threads’ early ventures into creating commercially available products and its 

impact on the market. 

Bolt Threads’ Impact 

Page 

Provides valuable information about the company’s broader impact, including 

its sustainability initiatives and contributions to the industry. 

TechCrunch on 

Fundraising and 

Patagonia Deal 

Investigating the fundraising and dealing with Patagonia, this source provides 

insights into the financial and strategic aspects of Bolt Threads, which are 

crucial for understanding its growth and partnerships. 

Vogue on Stella 

McCartney’s Mushroom 

Leather Bag 

Examines Stella McCartney’s collaboration with Bolt Threads, providing 

insights into high-profile partnerships and integrating Bolt Threads’ materials 

into renowned fashion brands. 

Source Description 

Forbes Article on 

Mushroom Leather and 

Spider Silk 

Investigates the broader implications of mushroom leather and spider silk in the 

fashion industry, providing a macro-level perspective on the industry trends that 

Bolt Threads contributes to. 

Business Insider on 

Adidas’ Mushroom 

Leather Shoe 

Focusing on Adidas’ collaboration with Bolt Threads on a mushroom leather 

shoe, this source offers insights into the adoption of Bolt Threads’ materials by 

major brands and the potential market impact. 



 

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WWD on Mushroom 

Fashion Moment at 

Stella McCartney Store 

Provides real-world examples of the application of Bolt Threads’ materials in  

a retail setting, offering insights into consumer reception and the practicality of 

these materials. 

Forbes Article on Bolt 

Threads’ SPAC Deal 

Discusses the recent financial move of Bolt Threads, offering insights into its 

valuation, financial strategies and future. 

Business of Fashion on 

Lululemon’s Mushroom-

Based Yoga Accessories 

Examining Lululemon’s incorporation of Bolt Threads’ materials in yoga 

accessories, this source illustrates the practical application of Bolt Threads’ 

innovations in consumer products. 

Bolt Threads’ Silk 

Protein Technology Page 

Detailed information on Bolt Threads’ Silk Protein technology, providing insights 

into the company’s diverse biomaterial portfolio. 

 

Based on the information provided in Table 1, it is evident that Bolt Threads has embarked on a remarkable 

journey of innovation and collaboration within the fashion industry. From its founding story to its recent 

special purpose acquisition company (SPAC0 deal, Bolt Threads has demonstrated a commitment to 

sustainability, technological advancement and strategic partnerships. Incorporating mushroom-based 

materials and spider silk into products by renowned brands such as Stella McCartney and Adidas signifies 

the industry’s acceptance and adoption of Bolt Threads’ innovations. Furthermore, the practical application 

of Bolt Threads’ materials in retail settings, as seen in Lululemon’s yoga accessories, highlights their 

potential for widespread consumer appeal. 

 

Case study 

Bolt Threads, a biomaterials firm, operates at the intersection of biotechnology and fashion (Cumbers, 

2019). Bolt Threads focuses on developing materials derived from biological sources, such as proteins  

or other organic compounds (Elkington, 2019). The company leverages nature as inspiration, employs 

advanced biotechnology and generates innovative solutions to create sustainable materials (Cumbers, 

2019). Traditionally, silk production has been limited to silkworms and spiders. However, at Bolt Threads, 

the process involves fermentation tanks using yeast, sugar and DNA code derived from spiders (Alsever, 

2017). The company addresses resource challenges through products such as spider silk, mushroom leather 

and silk proteins (Cumbers, 2019). Bolt Threads has developed advanced technology and infrastructure for 

producing proteins at scale (Elkington, 2019). This innovative approach results in a material spun into fibres 

akin to traditional methods for silk, rayon and polyester, claimed by the company to surpass steel in 

strength, exceed spandex in stretchiness and be softer than silk (Alsever, 2017). Overall, Bolt Threads 

exemplifies the transformative potential of sustainable fashion tech start-ups in reshaping industry 

practices and promoting environmental responsibility. 

 

Overview of the business model 

Bolt Threads, a start-up that specializes in synthetic spider silk products (Robinson, 2017), has a business 

model that revolves around creating sustainable materials inspired by nature (Cumbers, 2019). The 

business originated in 2009 when the co-founders Dan, David and Ethan embarked on a venture combining 

their expertise in microbial silk production and microfluidic devices (Bolt Threads, 2017). Encouraged by 

their participation in the Idea to IPO class at UCSF, the trio secured research grants, became tenants at the 

QB3 Garage start-up incubator and later expanded into a larger incubator space in San Francisco (Bolt 

Threads, 2017). Since 2009, Bolt Threads has been a frontrunner in biotechnological innovation and has 

embraced the trend of mushroom fashion (Gore, 2021). 

 



 

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As the global fashion industry, valued at around $3 trillion, increasingly gives precedence to sustainability 

and transparency, the synthetic biology biomaterials sector stands to gain (Cumbers, 2019). Identifying  

a void in consumer products within the fashion industry, CEO Dan Widmaier prioritized Bolt Threads’ 

mission to introduce new materials inspired by nature to tackle challenges in the consumer marketplace 

(Gore, 2021). Widmaier acknowledges Mother Nature as a remarkable example of a perfectly circular 

materials economy, spanning four billion years (Gore, 2021). 

 

Recently, Bolt Threads planned to merge with a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) called the 

Golden Arrow Merger Corp (Feldman, 2023). The SPAC is led by investor Timothy Babich, a former 

professional at Goldman Sachs (Feldman, 2023). After the merger, Bolt Threads will change its name to Bolt 

Projects Holdings (Feldman, 2023). CEO Dan Widmaier will retain his position in the new company, while 

co-founder David Breslauer will continue as the Chief Technology Officer (Feldman, 2023). The deal 

attributes a pro-forma enterprise value of $346 million to Bolt Threads and was expected to be completed 

in the first quarter of 2024 (Feldman, 2023). 

 

Examination of innovative technologies employed 

Bolt Threads is associated with spider silk because it focuses on creating synthetic versions of this material. 

However, the real breakthrough lies in a different realm: beer and cheese production (Seltenrich, 2015). 

Rather than directly mimicking the silk production process of spiders, Bolt Threads has engineered a yeast 

strain (Seltenrich, 2015). When combined with sugar and water and fermented in a similar process to that 

of beer or cheese, this yeast produces proteins that closely resemble those found in spider silk  

(Seltenrich, 2015). 

 

These silk-like proteins are then extracted and processed further, resulting in fibres that can be spun into 

threads suitable for knitting or weaving (Seltenrich, 2015). The company’s innovation involves harnessing 

the natural properties of yeast to create a sustainable and scalable alternative to traditional silk production 

methods (Seltenrich, 2015). 

 

Innovative materials 

The following section provides an overview of each technology’s unique features, such as the use of 

mycelium in Mylo™ as a sustainable substitute for leathers, the biodegradable and clean beauty aspects 

of B-Silk protein™ and the eco-friendly nature of Micro silk™ as a vegan silk alternative. 

 

Mylo™ material 

Mylo serves as a mycelium-based substitute for both synthetic and natural leather. The production  

of Mylo™ involves using less harmful chemistry, a design aimed at minimizing lifecycle impacts and 

implementing rigorous ethical labour and production practices (Bolt Threads, n.d.-a). Mylo™ incorporates 

environmentally friendly chemistry, is designed to reduce life cycle impacts and adheres to rigorous ethical 

labour and production standards (Bolt Threads, n.d.-a). Mylo™ supports the United Nations’ Sustainable 

Development Goals on Decent Work and Economic Growth, Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure and 

Responsible Consumption and Production (Stella McCartney, 2023). Mylo™ is certified as primarily 

composed of materials derived from renewable sources found in nature (Bolt Threads, n.d.-a).  

The certification confirms that the ingredients used in Mylo™ are biobased, meaning that they come from 

renewable biological sources such as plants or microorganisms (Bolt Threads, n.d.-a). 

 



 

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B-silk protein™ 

B-silk™ is a biobased and vegan polypeptide, meaning that it is derived from renewable biological sources 

and contains no animal-derived ingredients (Bolt Threads, n.d.-b). B-silk™ has been clinically proven to 

deliver positive results in skincare, hair care and colour cosmetics (Bolt Threads, n.d.-b). B-Silk™ performs 

better than silicone elastomers in beauty and personal care products (Bolt Threads, n.d.-b). B-silk’s™ 

distinctive molecular structure is a lightweight, protective barrier against environmental stressors, such  

as pollution and blue light, for both skin and hair. Scientific research has proved that B-silk™ can offer 

protective benefits against these factors when incorporated into skincare, hair care and colour cosmetics 

products (Bolt Threads, n.d.-b). 

 

Micro silk™ material 

Micro silk™ fibre is a vegan alternative to silk, created from environmentally friendly ingredients such  

as water, sugar, yeast and salt (Bolt Threads, n.d.-b). The technology behind Micro silk™ fibre has moved 

away from using petroleum-based polymers and unsustainable processes (Bolt Threads, n.d.-b). Instead,  

it embraces sustainable practices and avoids non-biodegradable fabrics, focusing on renewable inputs  

and closed-loop production methods.  

 

Case studies of successful projects or collaborations 

Bolt Threads has successfully collaborated with major fashion brands to incorporate micro silk into their 

collections. Bolt Threads has achieved success and collaborations with many renowned brands, including 

Stella McCartney, Adidas, Patagonia, Vegamour and Lululemon. In July 2019, Stella McCartney and Adidas 

introduced the Biofabric Tennis Dress (Bolt Threads, n.d.-b). The dress was made using a blend of micro silk 

and cellulose fibres, specifically designed to be fully biodegradable (Bolt Threads, n.d.-b). As a result, the 

dress can naturally break down into harmless components in the environment, reducing its environmental 

impact after use (Bolt Threads, n.d.-b). 

 

Patagonia 

Bolt Threads collaborated with the outdoor clothing company Patagonia in 2016 (Kolodny & Dilet, 2016). 

This collaboration aimed to kickstart the creation and design process of products that integrate Bolt 

Threads’ innovative and visionary threads (Kolodny & Dilet, 2016). 

 

Stella McCartney 

Stella McCartney, a luxury brand renowned for its commitment to sustainability and anti-animal product 

stance, has collaborated with Bolt Threads since 2017 (Webb, 2022). Their inaugural commercially viable 

product resulting from this partnership was the Frayme Mylo bag (Webb, 2022). The SoHo store celebrated 

the release of the Frayme Mylo collection in 2022 (Roshitsh, 2022). The event featured prototypes of 

products like the Falabella bag and trousers, all part of the collection retailing at $3,500 (Roshitsh, 2022). 

The Frayme Mylo collection uses Bolt Threads’ Mylo material derived from mycelium as a sustainable 

alternative to leather (Roshitsh, 2022). 

 

Adidas 

Adidas has partnered with Bolt Threads to develop innovative vegan alternatives for its leather shoes 

(Williams, 2021). The classic Adidas Stan Smith shoe has been redesigned utilizing the unique properties  

of Mylo™, a mushroom-based leather made from mycelium found in mushroom roots (Cumbers, 2019). 



 

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The latest model of the Stan Smith Mylo footwear, released in 2021, features an environmentally friendly, 

sustainable, fully mushroom leather body and a natural rubber midsole (Williams, 2021). 

 

Lulumelon 

In July 2021, Lululemon introduced its initial yoga accessory line crafted from Mylo™ (Sergison, 2021).  

The collection includes an innovative yoga mat constructed from undyed Mylo, intricately woven to create 

varied patterns that offer hand and foot placement guidance during yoga sessions (Sergison, 2021). The 

Meditation and Yoga Mat Bag and the Barrel Duffel Bag exhibit Mylo™ in intricately braided handles, zipper 

pulls and premium embellishments throughout (Sergison, 2021). In October, Lululemon initially committed 

to using the sustainable Mylo™ material, joining the Mylo™ consortium (Sergison, 2021). This consortium, 

consisting of members such as Stella McCartney, Adidas and Kering, involves investments and grants 

exclusive access to the Mylo™ material (Sergison, 2021). 

 

Eighteen B and Vegamour 

In recent years, Bolt’s primary product moved to B-silk™, a biobased ingredient in skincare and cleansers 

inspired by spider silk (Feldman, 2023). Initially, Bolt produced its skincare line, Eighteen B, but has since 

shifted to selling its ingredients to other brands (Feldman, 2023). B-silk™ is now featured in brands such as 

Vegamour and is available at Sephora stores across the United States. Bolt holds 34 patents for B-silk, with 

an additional 131 pending (Feldman, 2023). B-silk™ is designed as an environmentally friendly alternative  

to silicone elastomers, which are non-degradable chemicals and constitute a market estimated at $4 billion, 

according to Bolt (Feldman, 2023). Vegamour, a vegan beauty brand, collaborated effectively with Bolt 

Threads to launch the GRO Revitalizing Shampoo and Conditioner in November 2020 (Bolt Threads, n.d.-b). 

These products utilise B-silk™ protein, enhancing their formulations with its rejuvenating properties (Bolt 

Threads, n.d.-b). The inclusion of B-silk™ protein creates a nourishing moisture barrier, resulting in 

increased volume and shine, all without using animal-derived keratin or synthetic polymers  

(Bolt Threads, n.d.-b). 

 

Potential for industry-wide adoption 

The potential for industry-wide adoption lies in the scalability of Bolt Threads’ biotechnological processes. 

Partnerships with influential figures and significant players in the fashion industry play a crucial role in 

facilitating wider recognition and application of eco-friendly materials such as Micro silk™, Mylo™ and  

B-silk™. The potential for industry-wide adoption is significant, given Bolt Threads’ successful collaborations 

with major fashion brands. The partnership with Stella McCartney, a prominent luxury brand known for its 

commitment to sustainability, has resulted in the creation of commercially viable products such as the 

Frayme Mylo™ bag, signifying that those eco-friendly alternatives to traditional materials are gaining 

traction in the fashion industry. The collaboration with Adidas to produce the Stan Smith Mylo shoe,  

a vegan alternative made from mushroom-based “leather”, further highlights the industry’s openness  

to adopting sustainable materials. 

 

Furthermore, Bolt Threads’ focus on B-silk as a biobased ingredient for skincare and cleansers, incorporated 

into brands like Vegamour that are available at Sephora, indicates the potential for widespread adoption in 

the beauty and cosmetics sector. The shift towards eco-friendly alternatives in the skincare industry aligns 

with increasing consumer preferences for sustainable products. Finally, the impending merger with Golden 

Arrow Merger Corp. and the formation of Bolt Projects Holdings position the company for further growth 

and potential collaborations. As Bolt Threads continues to innovate and establish itself as a leader in 



 

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biomaterials, industry-wide adoption of its sustainable solution is likely, especially as significant brands  

seek alternatives to traditional materials focusing on environmental responsibility. 

 

Discussion 

This section explores the multifaceted impact of Bolt Threads’, highlighting its innovative technologies, 

collaborations with prominent fashion brands, financial strategies and the company’s strategic vision, as 

discussed in the previous section. This in-depth analysis delves into the core elements that define Bolt 

Threads’ influence on the sustainable fashion landscape, shedding light on its pioneering role in redefining 

fashion systems, driving design activism, fostering cultural sustainability and embodying social 

entrepreneurship and social change principles. 

 

Bolt Threads is an exemplary sustainable fashion tech start-up that exemplifies a paradigm shift in the 

fashion industry’s approach to sustainability. The literature review established that sustainability in fashion 

is multifaceted, encompassing environmental and social considerations together with various concepts 

such as eco-fashion, slow fashion, green fashion, ethical fashion and sustainable fashion. Moreover, the 

involvement of entrepreneurs, particularly fashion designers and founders, is highlighted as pivotal for  

the industry’s sustainability (Hofman et al., 2022; Kozlowski et al., 2018). 

 

Bolt Threads’ business model revolves around creating sustainable materials inspired by nature and 

addressing challenges in the consumer marketplace (Cumbers, 2019). The case studies of successful 

collaborations with major fashion brands such as Adidas, Stella McCartney, Patagonia and Lululemon 

underscore the impact of emerging sustainable fashion tech start-ups in reshaping industry practices. The 

challenges faced by sustainable entrepreneurs, as highlighted in the literature review, are mirrored in the 

complexities faced by Bolt Threads. Anticipating customer expectations, achieving continuous innovation 

and integrating social dimensions into business models are recurrent themes. This research paper 

recognizes that incorporating social aspects into business models is a cultural factor and that  

short-term economic focus can hinder long-term sustainable practices (Hristov et al., 2022). 

 

• Innovative technologies and design activism 

The pioneering use of synthetic spider silk, mycelium-based materials and biodegradable proteins 

by Bolt Threads showcases design activism in action (Robinson, 2017). Bolt Threads’ innovative 

adoption of synthetic spider silk, mycelium-based materials and biodegradable proteins is  

a testament to the influential role of design activism in the fashion sector. The company’s 

commitment to leveraging biotechnology for sustainable fashion challenges the traditional norms 

of material production in the industry (Cumbers, 2019). 

 

• Cultural sustainability and redefinition of fashion systems 

Collaborations with renowned brands such as Stella McCartney, Adidas and Lululemon highlight the 

cultural sustainability of Bolt Threads’ innovations (Webb, 2022). By integrating its materials into 

mainstream fashion, the company contributes to redefining fashion systems, influencing consumer 

perceptions and fostering a shift toward sustainable alternatives (Sergison, 2021). 

 

• Design for social change and social entrepreneurship 

Bolt Threads’ approach aligns with design for social change by addressing environmental concerns 

and promoting cruelty-free alternatives (Cumbers, 2019). The company’s commitment to ethical 



 

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labour and production practices and collaborations with sustainability-focused brands 

demonstrates social entrepreneurship at the intersection of technology and fashion  

(Kolodny & Dilet, 2016). 

 

• Industry-wide adoption and future outlook 

The case studies of successful projects and collaborations underscore Bolt Threads’ potential for 

industry-wide adoption (Webb, 2022). The partnerships with major fashion brands signal a broader 

acceptance of sustainable materials in the industry, indicating a shift towards more 

environmentally conscious practices (Feldman, 2023). These partnerships indicate a transition 

towards a more significant consideration of environmental factors and a growing emphasis on 

sustainability in industry practices. 

 

• Financial strategies and growth 

Examining Bolt Threads’ fundraising deals with companies like Patagonia and the recent SPAC  

deal with Golden Arrow Merger Corp provides insights into the financial strategies and growth 

trajectory (Feldman, 2023). This economic aspect is crucial for understanding how sustainable 

fashion tech start-ups can navigate the industry and gain widespread acceptance. 

• Diverse biomaterials portfolio 

 

Bolt Threads’ diverse biomaterials portfolio, including Mylo™, B-Silk protein™ and Micro silk™, 

showcases the versatility of their technologies (Bolt Threads, 2017). This diversity contributes to 

the adaptability of their materials across various industries – from fashion to skincare – indicating 

an integrated approach to sustainability. 

 

• Consumer reception and practicality 

The inclusion of sources such as WWD on Mushroom Fashion Moment at Stella McCartney Store 

and Business Insider on Adidas’ Mushroom Leather Shoe provides insights into real-world examples 

of the consumer reception and practical application of Bolt Threads’ materials in retail settings 

(Roshitsh, 2022). Understanding how consumers interact with these innovative materials is 

essential for assessing their long-term viability. 

 

• Strategic vision and future 

The information on Bolt Threads’ SPAC deal and the formation of Bolt Projects Holdings sheds light 

on the company’s strategic vision and future (Feldman, 2023). This aspect is critical for evaluating 

the long-term impact and sustainability of the company’s business model. 

 

Conclusion 

In conclusion, this research paper not only explores the trajectory and influence of Bolt Threads  

as an emerging sustainable fashion technological start-up but also delves into the broader themes of 

sustainability, design activism and the role of entrepreneurs in redefining fashion systems. This detailed 

analysis of Bolt Threads’ technologies, collaborations, challenges and industry-wide potential supports 

critical thinking in the context of sustainable fashion systems and aligns with the outlined research 

question. Bolt Threads stands out as an exemplar in the fashion industry, leading the redefinition of fashion 

systems by introducing pioneering and sustainable materials. The company’s unwavering commitment to 

design activism, cultural sustainability and social entrepreneurship actively moulds the fashion industry’s 



 

12 

 

practices, instigating a paradigm shift towards the widespread adoption of sustainable alternatives. Bolt 

Threads not only underscores the potential of sustainable fashion technology but also establishes an 

influential precedent for the industry, exemplifying the transformative efficacy of conscientious and 

environmentally friendly practices. 

 

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