MycoComposite
MycoCompositeTM is a mycelium based natural styrofoam material alternative.
The organic material is made from a combination of mycelium (the root structure of mushrooms) and agricultural byproducts. It is available in Europe through Grown.bio and in the US via Ecovativedesign.
The innovative circular material is a natural product that is grown in a controlled environment.
The MycoComposite process involves 5 days of growth in a customized design mould, growth is then stopped and followed by 2 days in a drying chamber before the material is ready.
MycoComposite is commonly compared to styrofoam due to its physical properties. The cell wall of the mycelium is made up of chitin, which is the same material in some insects’ shell, making it very strong and durable. Although quite strong, thanks to the way mycelium grows, the final material has a velvety, soft finish.
Current uses for the material include protective packaging (direct replacement of Styrofoam), interior design products and in the future building isolation. The material is durable and will last for years unless there’s constant exposure to heat and humidity.
Afterlife, MycoComposite is 100% home compostable. That means, it can be crumbled and added directly to the soil of your garden or pots where it will decompose by the mycelium and other microorganisms in the soil in around 4-5 weeks.
Raw Materials
MycoComposite is a natural material grown from mycelium and agricultural byproduct.
Afterlife Plan
Afterlife the material is 100% home compostable
Suppliers
US – Ecovativedesign
EU – Grown.bio