Packaging from ‘mushroom plastic’: Ecovative (2024)

FAQs

Is Mushroom Packaging better than plastic packaging? ›

Mushroom packaging, also known as mycelium packaging, is a type of biodegradable packaging that is made from the root-like structure of mushrooms called mycelium. It is a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional packaging materials such as Styrofoam and other petroleum-based plastics.

The key component, mycelium, not only forms a resilient packaging material but also brings remarkable environmental benefits. Mushroom packaging is biodegradable and compostable, breaking down naturally when disposed of, returning nutrients to the soil without leaving harmful residues.

These quick-growing filaments are what makes mycelium an efficient packaging solution. It takes around seven days to grow our mycelium packaging – and, then, approximately 40 days for them to biodegrade.

Since the material will decompose after just a few short weeks it is not ideal for companies working and or shipping long distances. Another concern is its durability when compared to plastics like polystyrene. The lack of durability makes it less favored for uses such as holding prepared food.

Plastic packaging is extremely wasteful and impacts earth's ecosystems, on which we depend. Due to poor product design and lack of political infrastructure, the majority of plastic waste is sent to landfills or disposed of into the environment.

NEWARK, Del, March 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The mushroom packaging market is estimated to be worth US$ 56.1 million in 2024 and is projected to be valued at US$ 94.3 million in 2034. Between 2024 and 2034, the industry is expected to register a growth rate of 5.3%.

Sustainable packaging is made from materials like recyclable PET or HDPE plastics, cardboard, and paper, which can be reprocessed into new items. It also includes compostable materials such as PLA (starch-based) and cellulose, which biodegrade in compost, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastics.

Environmental benefits.

Eco-friendly and sustainable packaging is often made from recycled materials, reducing the waste of resources during production. The manufacturing process also tends to be more efficient, further minimizing resources and reducing the negative impact that your business has on the environment.

The latest example of this sees home decor giant IKEA furthering its commitment to sustainable innovation by using mushroom-based packaging that eliminates the need for other wasteful materials. Shipping products from one side of the planet to the other means ensuring the merchandise will arrive undamaged.

Simply break up the packaging into small pieces, and toss them into the compost bin or spread them throughout your garden. While it is possible to dispose of Mushroom^® Packaging in the garbage or industrial compost bin, we recommend home composting.

What is the shelf life of mushroom packaging? ›

The results revealed that the oyster mushroom samples packed in PET with banana leaves and aluminium foil stored under refrigerated temperature (3-5 °C) maintained the maximum hardness (149.7 gf) up to 16 days of storage period.

It is a sustainable and home-compostable alternative to the plastic foam that is clogging landfills and waterways. We are reducing plastic pollution with the power of mushrooms.

Ecovative reduces their carbon footprint with the minimal use of light, spanning 7-15 days, the amount needed to allow the mycelium to grow in the darkness [13,14]. (electricity or gas), CO2 emissions range from 4.6-7.7 lbs within the range of 3 hours [13,14].

One of the most significant disadvantages of plastic food packaging is its negative impact on the environment. Plastic is a non-biodegradable material, which means it does not decompose naturally. Plastic waste can take hundreds of years to degrade, causing pollution and harming wildlife.

Cardboard boxes can be a great cost-effective solution as they can be re-used. They are also generally better for the environment than the plastic alternative.

Mushroom Packaging is a high-performing, cost-competitive, and insulating protective packaging solution. Mushroom® Packaging breakaway corners are fully home compostable and will return to the soil in 45 days.

Metal or Tin

Metal is one of the most durable materials you could use, as it helps block oxygen, moisture, or light from contaminating food. You can find this type of packaging commonly used for dairy products like condensed milk.

Compostable materials

Packaging made from compostable materials, such as bagasse (sugarcane fiber), bamboo, molded pulp, or mushroom mycelium provide an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional packaging. These materials break down naturally and can be composted alongside organic waste.