Fungi Based Packaging

 Packaging comes in all sorts of new and innovative sustainable means. One unique one that’s come down the pipeline in recent years, is fungi. Yes, mushroom packaging. 

Mycelium is a new type of fungi packaging, and it’s been a popular sort of item for shipping supplies. Considered to be a biodegradable alternative, we’ll go over here what fungi-based packaging entails, and why it’s become the new, hit thing for a lot of packaging providers. 

What Mycelium Packaging 

Mycelium packaging is exactly what you think it is. it’s made from mycelium, or mushrooms. Oftentimes, it’s also mixed with hemp too, in order to create eco-friendly packaging that protects your shipping. 

Why use Mushroom Packaging 

Well mushrooms are natural. They’re a form of biodegradable packaging that naturally breaks down, so it won’t harm the planet. You’re leaving less of a carbon footprint.

It’s safe for the oceans, since you’re able to just plop it into some water, and then break it down. It also doesn’t contain plastic either, so it’s considered a sustainable initiative. There are no chemicals either, as it’s all natural.

Another interesting fact is that it’s flame-resistant, so for flammable objects, it is a great option to utilize. It also is water-resistant, which is great if you have something that doesn’t need to get wet. It works better than regular cardboard boxes. 

There are some fun ways to use it. Since the mushroom packaging is naturally grown, you just have to grow it, and then process it.   with mushroom packaging, it offers unique, customized designs that can really improve your packaging experience. 

How to dispose of it? 

You can dispose of it either through using a compost pile, or just by tossing. Since it’s a natural design, it also is easy to remove. There’s no complex disposal methods, but you just compost or toss it.   You also don’t need to send it to recycling plants. 

How’s it Made? 

Mushroom packaging is made through the mycelium, which is usually grown around corn stalks or hurds of hemp. The mycelium is essentially a “blue” that binds the wastes to create a shape within its mold, and then it’s dried in order to prevent further growth. It is then placed into a customized mold, where it’s grown until the shape that’s desired is formed, and then dried in order to stop the growing cycle.

The process of drying and curing is something that’s used to help keep it in the right shape, and then, once it stops growing, it can then package out the products that you have, in order to create sustainable growth. 

It’s a great alternative to the plastic packaging problems because they’re made from agricultural waste that’s renewable, and totally biodegradable, so it does work. 

Mushroom packaging does have a few limitations, especially in the process and durability. It may not work for heavy objects, but for smaller items that you want to create a more eco friendly experience for, this is the way to go.

We will probably see more and new designs with mushroom packaging come down the pipeline. After all, it is the future of packaging. For many people, mushroom packaging offers a unique, fun experience that will help you with building sustainability of all kinds. The sky’s the limit on what you can do with your packaging.

Mushrooms are something that may not seem like a product type to be used. But with so many unique, exciting options to choose from, you don’t want to miss any of these, for they are right there ready for you to experience and enjoy the packaging process too.