Mycelium 101 | Solving the Issue of Single-Use Plastic | Seedlip (2024)

FAQs

Can mycelium replace plastic? ›

Mycelium has a physical structure that gives it strength and durability that can replace single-use plastic packaging. That means it could be part of the solution to some of the world's most pressing problems.

The mycelium growth process can grow from various waste materials (such as corn/rice husks, cotton wastes) that can be locally sourced with minimal transport costs. All these above factors make mycelium based products cheaper to produce than plastic.

It is a completely natural product. Mycelium is a completely natural material found in the environment and the species used have no toxic effects.

It takes around seven days to grow our mycelium packaging – and, then, approximately 40 days for them to biodegrade.

In optimal conditions, mycelium bricks can last for some 20 years, however, they can break down in as little as six weeks in poor conditions. Mycelium building materials are still in development and they have a long way to go– but the benefits of this emerging material are immense.

Mycelium provides a robust, sustainable alternative to plastic foams, such as polystyrene. Rather than break down into microbeads harmful to wildlife and marine habitats, the mycelium packaging breaks down into useful nutrients for the soil.

Earlier in 2019, the company announced the implementation of mushroom-based packaging, based on mycelium and agricultural cultivation of the source material. The innovative concept is a next step in decreasing the amount of EPS-based packaging used by the company.

In addition to diets containing more plant-based foods, mycelium produced from filamentous fungi offers opportunities to develop food products that have desirable flavor and texture characteristics that are high in protein quality while providing fiber and essential micronutrients.

What happens if mycelium gets wet? ›

If you have insufficient moisture, as stated earlier, your mycelium growth will be stunted. However, if you have too much moisture, your mycelium will also be stunted, as it will suffocate. With too much moisture, your substrate will also have a higher risk of contamination from other organisms.

Preservation. Store your mycelium in the fridge until you are ready to start growing, unless it is already at room temperature when you buy it. An open bag of mycelium can be stored in the fridge for up to two years, by putting it in a micro-perforated plastic bag (salad bag).

As detailed on Phys.org, microbiologists at the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, or NIOZ, discovered a new fungus called Parengyodontium album that can break down polyethylene, the most abundant type of plastic waste in our oceans.

A mycelium can theoretically live forever as long as it has food to grow into which is why the oldest and largest organism on earth is a fungus. Take a deep dive into the magic beneath your feet. Enjoy Fantastic Fungi now on Netflix.

Light: While mycelium doesn't require light to grow, a small amount can help stimulate growth. 5. Nutrition: Using a nutrient-rich substrate can also enhance growth. Remember, it's important to maintain sterile conditions to prevent contamination.

Cement, for example - a core constituent of concrete - is responsible for 8% of total global CO₂ emissions. As we'll see, mycelium products can replace plastics, concrete, leather, polystyrene packaging materials and more.

The fungus Fomes fomentarius is the focus of new research published today in the journal Science Advances. It has the remarkable ability to yield a wide range of materials with different properties — from soft and spongelike to tough and woody.

A super-strong, lightweight building material

Mycelium, an intricate network of fungal threads, can be harnessed as a reliable industrial material with diverse applications.