Mycelium grows like a network
Mycelium is the material structure of fungi, a woven tapestry of living cells, with each strand finding its place in the network. In nature, fungi play a crucial role in converting organic matter left behind by plants into nutrients that power the forest ecosystem, eventually returning to the soil themselves. This process makes fungi a truly sustainable and earth-friendly material. Harnessing the natural flexibility and strength of mycelium, we can create eco-friendly products that not only protect your goods but also contribute to a healthier planet.
Fungi have evolved many useful properties over millions of years, including water resistance, antimicrobial enzymes, and high tensile strength, making them highly versatile for a variety of applications. At Ecovative's Mycelium Foundry, we work to identify and refine the best mycelial strains for creating sustainable packaging solutions that harness the natural properties of fungi.
Understanding Our Material
Mushrooms are not just the tasty, edible part of a fungus; they are the fruiting body of a vast underground organism known as mycelium. Mycelium grows exponentially under the right conditions, providing vital nutrients to forest creatures in exchange for sugars. Mycelium is made up of chitin, a natural adhesive that is both water-resistant and flame-retardant, making it an ideal material for a variety of applications.
Mushroom® Packaging is made by combining mycelium, which contains the natural polymer chitin, with agricultural by-products. In 98% of our products, we use the woody core of hemp, which not only provides excellent performance but also helps to sequester carbon dioxide at an impressive rate of about 15 tonnes per hectare. We're not limited to hemp, though - we can work with a wide range of natural by-products, from wheat to sawdust, to create sustainable packaging solutions.