MYCO, an innovative materials startup, has unveiled a mushroom-based biodegradable alternative to expanded polystyrene (EPS), aiming to revolutionize protective packaging with a fully compostable, circular solution. The new product is made from mycelium—the root system of fungi—and agricultural waste, forming a durable yet earth-friendly packaging material designed to replace one of the most problematic plastics in the industry.

Expanded polystyrene, commonly used for cushioning and insulation in electronics, appliances, and food containers, is notoriously difficult to recycle and poses severe environmental threats. MYCO’s mycelium-based alternative not only mimics EPS’s protective qualities but also decomposes naturally in composting environments within weeks.

The material is cultivated by growing fungal mycelium around agricultural residues such as corn husks and wheat straw. After a few days of controlled growth in moulds, the material is heat-treated to stop further development and stabilize its structure. The result is a lightweight, shock-absorbent packaging foam that is home compostable, non-toxic, and completely biodegradable.

“We are redefining protective packaging by aligning performance with nature,” said Emma Dijkstra, CEO of MYCO. “Our solution addresses the core issue of single-use plastic pollution while offering a scalable, commercially viable alternative to EPS.”

MYCO’s product has already attracted attention from electronics and consumer goods manufacturers seeking more sustainable packaging without compromising product safety during transport. The mycelium foam can be customized into various shapes and densities, offering design flexibility for different applications, from protective inserts to thermal insulation.

Key advantages of MYCO's mushroom-based foam:

• Fully biodegradable and home compostable
• Manufactured from agricultural waste and fungal mycelium
• Shock-absorbent and thermally insulating
• Custom-mouldable for a range of packaging needs
• Reduces dependency on fossil fuel-derived plastics

This innovation comes at a time when regulators and consumers are increasingly scrutinizing the environmental impact of packaging. The EU and several U.S. states have moved to ban or restrict the use of EPS due to its pollution footprint and lack of recycling infrastructure. In this context, MYCO’s solution aligns with legislative trends and offers businesses a future-proof packaging option.

The company has secured seed funding to scale production and is now working on partnerships with major packaging converters to integrate the material into existing packaging lines. Pilot programs are underway in the Netherlands and Germany, with plans to expand across Europe and North America by 2026.

MYCO’s development represents more than just a new material—it exemplifies the shift toward nature-inspired, regenerative design in packaging. By turning waste into value and mimicking ecological processes, such innovations pave the way for a truly circular economy.