Alternative applications of mushroom mycelium for environmental sustainability: opportunities, challenges and future perspective

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in finding sustainable alternatives to traditional
packaging materials such as thermocol/polystyrene. One promising solution that has gained attention
in recent past is the use of fungal mycelium, the fast-growing vegetative part of fungi, as a substitute
for polystyrene. Fungal mycelium, a substance derived from diverse biological and agricultural wastes,
is regarded as a secure, non-reactive, sustainable, organic and environmentally friendly packaging
material. The substance exhibits the ability to form self-assembling bonds, resulting in the rapid
production of robust and environmentally degradable materials. The objective of this study is to conduct
a comprehensive examination of the developments and present status of mycelium-based technology,
with a particular emphasis on its utilization in the fields of packaging and insulation; and how
mycelium can be used to remediate agro-industrial wastes. By examining the advantages, challenges,
and potential drawbacks of using mycelium as a substitute for polystyrene, this paper aims to shed
light on the feasibility and sustainability of mycelium-based materials.