A Plastic Alternative That Won't Outlive You. And It Grows Itself
- Amelia Keefer
- Feb 16
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 16
Ecovative is leading the charge in sustainable packaging, using their patented AirMycelium™ technology to grow an alternative to shipping plastics and polystyrene: mushrooms! Made of only two ingredients—mycelium and hemp hurd—their velvety, but durable, Mushroom Packaging is naturally plastic free, water resistant, fire resistant, and home compostable! The best part: it grows in 7 days, composts in 45.
The growing process is simple: create a 3D mold, fill the tray with mushroom mixture, and wait for nature to do its thing. Inside the mold, the mycelium feeds off of the hemp hurd, piercing through it with spidery tendrils that are greedy for nutrients. After a few days of feeding, what's left is a nearly solid structure within the digested substrate. How cool! Then, it's time for the hot kiln, which removes any remaining moisture and kills (immobilizes is a nicer word) the mycelium. You'd prefer your packaging to not be sentient, right? (Cue apocalypse soundtrack).
The best part: It grows in 7 days, composts in 45
The benefits seem endless. But what’s the draw for companies? I think the first question we should ask is: why are we so hung up on plastic? Well, a quick google gives some obvious answers. It's durable, cost-effective, and lightweight. Perfect for cheaply shipping products out safely. Ecovative promises that its Mushroom Packaging can do the same. "We offer a high-performing, cost competitive packaging solution which is naturally thermally insulating and water resistant. Our packaging protects whatever you’re shipping."
Pit plastic and Mushroom Packaging in a debate against each other and the latter will have more to say. It does everything plastic does...plus more. Much more. Because, unlike plastic, Mushroom Packaging is renewable, circular and ocean-safe. Not only that, but it composts completely in 45 days. No need to stick around. It's won the fight. Mic drop.
And companies are listening. "Early on, we found opportunities for partnership with leading companies such as Dell, who used our materials to protect their servers for shipping," Ecovative says of its first 15 years of operation. "We also undertook research collaborations with IKEA and Steelcase, to test materials for furniture, as well as with DARPA and the EPA." Powerhouse companies like Dell and IKEA have vowed to make the switch to 100% renewable packaging, amid sweeping sustainability measures. And it's becoming clear that sustainability is integral to long-term company growth and value. In the article, "Do Consumers Care About Sustainability," software company, Inriver urges that sustainability is becoming a key issue for consumers around the world. "In fact, more consumers than ever before are demanding that brands operate in a sustainable and transparent way." In a 2020 McKinsey US consumer sentiment survey, when consumers were asked if they care about buying environmentally and ethically sustainable products, the overwhelming answer was yes. McKinsey's article title says it all: "Consumers care about sustainability—and back it up with their wallets." Yeah, sustainability is cool now.
So, where does that leave us? Hopefully, we'll continue to see a trend of large companies committing to sustainable action, and committing to the use of 100% renewable packaging. Ecovative isn't going anywhere. I'm interested to see what they'll be able to accomplish in the next 15, 30 years. Of course, Ecovative is only one option among many, many more, but it's a dang good one. Backed by science, leveraging the amazing power of nature, I have no doubt that Mushroom Packaging will grow far.
Over and out,
Amelia Keefer
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