Mycelium, the fibrous network of fungal threads that forms the vegetative part of a fungus, is being researched as a new, alternative design material.
In comparison to common materials like plastic or concrete, which have high carbon footprints due to their manufacturing processes, mycelium offers a sustainable alternative. It also offers substantial benefits in terms of waste reduction.
The production of mycelium-based materials involves the integration of agricultural by-products or waste streams as the growth substrate for the fungi. This means that materials such as sawdust, straw, corn husks, or even industrial waste can be repurposed and transformed into valuable products through the process of mycotecture.
By upcycling these otherwise discarded materials, mycelium helps divert organic waste from landfills and incinerators, reducing both environmental pollution and the need for virgin resources. This circular approach not only minimises waste but also conserves natural resources while promoting a more sustainable model of production.
Fungi are essential decomposers in natural ecosystems, breaking down organic matter into nutrients that support plant growth and soil health. By harnessing the regenerative power of fungi through applications like mycofiltration or bioremediation, we can address pollution problems caused by contaminants such as heavy metals or petroleum compounds. These ecological services highlight the multifaceted sustainability of mycelium beyond its use as a material resource, emphasising its broader contribution to environmental remediation and resilience.
Do Mycelium Products have Certification and Standards?
Commercially manufactured products are available on the European market. As a new material, it’s important to understand the testing and research that has gone into a particular mycelium product to understand its limitations before specifying it in your project. Local building codes also need to be checked to ensure any mycelium product you use meets the necessary code.
In recent years, various organisations and certification bodies have established guidelines to assess the sustainability of materials derived from fungi. One such notable certification is the Cradle to Cradle Certified™ program, which evaluates products based on criteria such as material health, material reutilisation, renewable energy use, water stewardship, social fairness – and ultimately that products end-of-life.
Mycelium-based materials are recognised within this framework due to their biodegradability, low environmental impact during production, and potential for circularity.
At a local building level, in Australia and abroad, governing bodies are required to weigh in, which allow for greater impact and uptake.
1. Current state and future prospects of pure mycelium materials (2021) | FUNGAL BIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
2. Effectiveness of mycofiltration for removal of contaminants from water: a systematic review protocol (2021) | ENVIRONMENTAL EVIDENCE
3. Exploiting fungi in bioremediation for cleaning-up emerging pollutants in aquatic ecosystems (2023) | MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
4. Mycelium Composites and their Biodegradability: An Exploration on the Disintegration of Mycelium-Based Materials in Soil (2022) | BIO-BASED BUILDING MATERIALS
