Using fungal mycelium as the basis for sustainable products
Using fungal mycelium as the basis for sustainable products
Fungi have more to offer than meets the eye. Their thread-like cells, which grow extensively and out of sight underground like a network of roots, offer huge potential for producing sustainable, biodegradable materials. Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP in Pots...
- Mycelium-based materials from regional agricultural residues
- Versatile applications: Strength and elasticity can be specifically configured
- Developing industrial processes
A few years ago I saw an article about an art exhibit or some such, where a guy made furniture out of mycelium. It make me wonder if we could create bricks for building out of sawdust, grow mushrooms to eat, and then either plasticize or something better to harden them off to the elements. I never bothered to try, though.
Would this be fungal-punk?
I hope the vegan leather use gets some traction. It word be nice to have alternatives that weren't just plastic. The other kinds I've had experience with like the pineapple stuff are still not quite there.
Packaging is also exciting. A lot of it has changed from styrofoam to shaped cardboard but it sounds like this would let packing materials be a little more spongey and protective.
I can't wait for a murder mystery story about someone growing a deadly mushroom plate.