With the observation that plastic pollution surrounds us in our everyday lives, Ecovative has developed breakthrough technologies using mycelium, the root-like structures of mushrooms, to create sustainable materials that are biodegradable, break down naturally and can replace materials commonly made of plastic.

The innovator has pioneered two different technologies: MycoComposite and AirMycelium. MycoComposite technology binds sustainable materials together with mycelial fibres to produce biodegradable Mushroom Packaging and eco-friendly building materials, while AirMycelium grows 100 percent pure mycelium materials at scale in vertical farms, producing sustainable alternatives to leather, plastic, and other products of fossil fuels and factory farming.

Using AirMycelium technology, Ecovative’s soft goods division Forager brings mycelium to the fashion and apparel industries, with fully biological foams and leather-like hides that are 100 percent free of plastic and chemicals, and offer many advantages over traditional leather and plastic materials.

IMPACT

Ecovative’s mission is to displace plastic waste in various industries by creating sustainable materials from agricultural waste streams using mycelium. By creating local supply chains within 200 kilometres of their vertical farms, they grow eco-friendly materials that are naturally grown and can be returned to the earth. This results in a reduction in energy use and greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional plastics used in packaging and fashion. Additionally, their approach leads to a decrease in land use and water consumption, particularly in industries like animal agriculture.

WHAT’S NEXT

Ecovative is planning to expand globally over the next five years by taking their mycelium-based products beyond their current vertical farms in upstate New York. They have already acquired a facility in Europe to enable them to take their products to a wider market.