By Peter Oei MYCELIUM
Current applications of mycelium
Mycelium, the intricate root system of fungi, is fast becoming a cornerstone of sustainable innovation across industries. From textiles and food to packaging and construction, its applications - some of which were displayed again at Dutch Design Week 2025 - promise to shift the paradigm from fossil-based materials to regenerative, biodegradable solutions. Yet, despite rapid advances, companies are still striving to secure product-market fit while competing against mature, environmentally underpriced mainstream products.
I
n 2019 Mushroom Business asked me to write an article on mycelium applications other than growing mushrooms (see MB94, May 2019). Where do we stand now
in 2025? Eben Bayer, one of the founders of mycelium frontrunner Ecovative, recently gave his opinion on LinkedIn with the headlines: ‘Is mycelium overhyped?’ He states that mycelium should not be seen as a solution for everything. It has specific properties which may lead to successful products and it may take a decade or even more to have impact in specific markets like food, packaging and specific applications. This article explores today’s vibrant mycelium
sector, highlighting key companies, product developments, circular processes, and the founders behind these pioneering efforts. It also critically examines the material’s limitati- ons, including its vulnerability to environmental degradation and the challenges of scaling up.
Mycelium leather Mycelium leather stands at the forefront of biomaterial alternatives, offering a sustainable replacement for animal and synthetic leathers. Mycoworks (USA), creators of Reishi™, and Mycelium Materials Europe (Netherlands) are leading the charge, harnessing mycelium’s
Eric Klarenbeek was one of the frontrunners in mycelium development. His famous 2014 3D printed chair was on displlay at the Van Abbemuseum, while he showed 3D printed wall panels in the Kazerne during DDW in October ‘25.
One of the highlights of Dutch Design Week ‘25 in Eindhoven, The Nether- lands, was the mycelium raincoat with a 100% biobased coating.
38 MUSHROOM BUSINESS
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