Innovation is a collaborative act. At Sintesa 2025—an acceleration program by the Indonesian Ministry of Creative Economy (Ekraf) and Playo—MYCL’s bio-materials were transformed into a diverse range of lifestyle products. From lighting to audio equipment, these collaborations prove that Mylea™ (mycelium) and Mylea™ Sea (algae) are the building blocks of a new, regenerative era.
The Earth and Sea Portfolio
The program allowed designers to experiment with two distinct biological frontiers:
Mylea™: A durable, carbon-negative material grown from agricultural waste.
Mylea™ Sea: A translucent, plastic-free bio-polymer crafted from Indonesian red algae.
Five Visions: The Sintesa 2025 Designer Series
Curated by Playo, five designers paired with iconic local brands to push the boundaries of what bio-materials can achieve.
1. Adam x Nouv: Illumination from the Ocean
Adam utilized the ethereal transparency of Mylea™ Sea to create designer lighting for Nouv. Inspired by the geometry of traditional Indonesian drying racks, these pieces use the algae-based material to diffuse light with an organic, warm glow—offering a sustainable alternative to synthetic resins or plastics.
2. Alya x Iter: The Sound of Nature
In a bold crossover into lifestyle electronics, Alya collaborated with Iter to design a speaker that utilizes both Mylea™ and Mylea™ Sea. This project explores how bio-materials can be integrated into technical products, providing unique acoustic properties and a tactile, “living” finish to modern hardware.
3. Marchellina x Pala: Timepieces Reimagined
Marchellina worked with Pala to develop a series of table clocks and pocket watches. By using Mylea™ Sea as the base material, the collection introduces a semi-translucent, jewel-like aesthetic to the world of horology, proving that bio-materials can carry the refinement of luxury accessories.
4. Shalsa x Hijack Sandals: The “Someah” Step
Shalsa partnered with Hijack Sandals to create the Someah sandals. Crafted from Mylea™, these sandals bring mycelium leather to the forefront of urban footwear. The “Someah” design—meaning “friendly” or “polite” in Sundanese—reflects a friendly relationship between the wearer and the environment.
5. Hilwa x Exsport: Heritage Grown Afresh
Hilwa brought a sustainable lens to the Exsport Heritage Collection. By integrating Mylea™ into the brand’s classic silhouettes, Hilwa demonstrated how legacy brands can preserve their DNA while transitioning to materials that support a circular economy and lower carbon footprints.
Empowering a Circular Creative Economy
Supported by Ekraf, Sintesa 2025 is a strategic blueprint for the “Next-Gen Materials” movement in Indonesia.
Localized Sourcing: Utilizing agro-waste and seaweed harvested by local Indonesian communities.
Material Diversity: Proving that bio-materials can be used for structural, translucent, and acoustic applications.
Waste-to-Wealth: Preventing carbon emissions from waste burning by turning it into high-value design objects.
The Sintesa 2025 Ecosystem
Organizers:
Program Initiator: The Ministry of Creative Economy of the Republic of Indonesia [EKRAF RI]
Program Director & Curator: Playo
Guest Curator & Advisor: Febryan Tricahyo
Brand Partners: Exsport Bags, Hijack Sandals, Iter Soundsystem, Nouv Studio, Pala Nusantara, Studio Mahardika
Special Thanks: The Department of Tourism and Culture of West Java
Guest Lecturers: Ayos Purwoaji, Wendy Teo
Material Partner:
MYCL (Mylea™ & Mylea™ Sea)
Designers & Brands:
– Adam x Nouv (Lighting)
– Alya x Iter (Audio/Speakers)
– Marchellina x Pala (Timepieces)
– Shalsa x Hijack Sandals (Footwear)
– Hilwa x Exsport (Heritage Bags)