Date:28-Sep-2021
Country: New Zealand
Mushroom
Process waste/Secondary residue
Roots
Packaging Materials
Cosmetic Packaging
Application
Description Mushroom Material, a New Zealand-based start-up, has developed sustainable packaging made from mycelium (mushroom roots) and agricultural waste. The material is strong, biodegradable within six weeks, and customizable for various applications, including cosmetics and cutlery. It offers superior thermal insulation and impact resistance, providing an eco-friendly alternative to polystyrene and cardboard. The company aims to scale up production and target industries seeking sustainable packaging solutions.
Pathway Description: The process used in this project involves mixing the root structure of mushrooms (mycelium) with fibrous agricultural waste like sawdust, hemp hulls, or wood chips to form a substrate. This mixture is placed in molds shaped like the desired packaging and allowed to grow under controlled conditions, where the mycelium binds the materials together. Once the substrate solidifies and turns visually white, it is heat-treated to kill the mycelium and ensure the packaging retains its shape until degradation begins.
Source: Know More...
Tags: Mushroom PackagingBiodegradable MaterialsSustainable Packaging
Packaging Materials
Cosmetic Packaging
Types of Feedstock
Primary agricultural residue
Name
Mushroom Roots
Form
Solid (Fibrous Material)
Commercials
Sourced from mushroom cultivation operations or laboratory cultures
Logistics
Low-cost due to the use of agricultural waste substrates
Characteristics
Lightweight, Biodegradable, Mold-resistant, Strong
Chemical
Substrate Mixing
Thermal
Heat Treatment
Mechanical
Molding
Biological
Mycelium Growth
Entrepreneurs/startups
Mushroom Material