MYCELIUM | The Future Of Packaging

It's important to us that what we're taking from the earth, we're giving back in full. Here's how our innovative fungi packaging is helping to push our sustainability efforts forward. 

It's estimated that 1.5%-4% of plastic ends up in the ocean with littering, industrial revolution, and single-use plastic packaging largely to blame. This may not seem like such an alarming percentage but when we stop to consider the hugely negative impact it has on our planet and our health, it becomes harder to ignore. 

Single-use plastic breaks down into microplastics that infiltrate our air, soil, and ocean, and eventually enter our food systems. As a business operating in an industry known for its planet-damaging packaging, we understand how crucial it is to explore renewable materials.

When looking for an environmentally conscious and effective insert for our safety razors, we came across mycelium (yes, mushrooms!). Invented in 2009 as an earth-friendly alternative to protective packaging like Styrofoam, this innovative material is grown from the vegetative part of fungi (the root system) and organic plant waste. 

Why Fungi? 

With over 1.5 million varieties, mushrooms are already well known for their versatility in the culinary world and beyond. But, when it comes to packaging, it's the thread-like, fibrous roots called mycelium that are of interest. Mycelium is the network that allows mushrooms to communicate and exchange nutrients—it helps to break down toxins and turn them into available nourishment. 

Mycelium's ability to form a dense network of fibers makes it a strong, durable yet lightweight packaging material. 

The Life-cycle of Mycelium Packaging 

1/ Mycelium grows around clean, organic plant waste in a custom 3D mold. After a few days, it binds together to form a solid shape.

2/ After, 5-7 days it is dried and heat-treated to kill spores and bring the growing process to a halt.

3/ The packaging is then ready to use, protecting delicate items whilst they're on the move. 

4/ The fully compostable form can easily be broken up, thrown directly into soil or compost, and will biodegrade in around 40 days. 

A Few Notes About Mycelium Packaging  

// Robust, durable and lightweight.

// Moisture and fire resistant.

// 100% biodegradable alternative to single-use plastic—breaking down into useful nutrients.

// By using mycelium's own natural growth power, it requires a small fraction of the energy needed to make plastic or cardboard.

// Since it's grown rather than manufactured, it can be molded into almost any shape or form and is infinitely reproducible.

// Aside from being good for our planet, mushroom packaging is cost-competitive, high-performing, and has a raw, sculptural look that is visually interesting.   

Our Safety Razor 

We use mycelium packaging as inserts in all of our safety razors. The custom-made mold secures the razor in place significantly reducing potential in-transit damage. This also means our Safety Razor is 100% plastic-free, each part of the razor's packaging can be composted or recycled. 

How are other industries harnessing the powers of Mycelium?

An exciting step towards sustainable production, mycelium packaging is just one of the ways Fungi can be used for good. We're seeing Mycelium creations across many different industries and wanted to share just a few with you as a source of inspiration (and hope!) for the future of our planet. 

Talinn-based materials company, Myceen produced a series of pendant bell-shaped lampshades composed of organic waste materials from the timber and agricultural industry and of course, Mycelium. 

Back in 2021, designer Emilie Burfield created a sock sneaker with a durable mycelium sole. The sneaker was made using only 3 renewable materials, meaning it could be industrially composted or taken apart and recycled at the end of its life. 

In collaboration with mycelium leather company Mylo, Lululemon created a meditation and yoga collection that allowed Lululemon to reimagine their existing yoga essentials through a sustainability lens and looked at the future of Mycellium in the clothing/wellness industry.