Mushroom-based packaging starts large-scale production

The British start-up Magical Mushroom Company is now starting large-scale production of plastic-free mushroom-based packaging.

Major brands are already among the customers for the biodegradable polystyrene alternative. Rapid expansion in Europe is planned. The Magical Mushroom Company (MMC) today announces the start of large-scale production of biodegradable mushroom-based packaging that can be composted in the home garden. The new material has similar properties to conventional polystyrene at comparable costs and is already in use, including as packaging for the non-alcoholic Gin Seedlip from Diageo.

The unusual packaging is produced according to the design developed by the US company Ecovative Design LLC. patented mycelium composite technology produced. The process creates a composite material from agricultural by-products such as hemp, hops, maize and wood and mycelium, the network of fungal hyphae. The living material continues to grow in 3D moulds and takes on the desired shape. The growth is stopped by heating and the material hardens. It takes just 14 days from design to prototype.

Home compostable mushroom-based packaging

MMC Holding International LTD operates under the name "Magical Mushroom Company" and holds the exclusive licence to produce mushroom packaging for the EU, UK and Ireland. The first production plant in Esher, UK, with a capacity of over one million packaging units per year was put into operation in August 2020.

Production is set to grow to more than three million units per year in 2021 with the opening of a second plant in the UK. Further plants in Bulgaria and Italy are to ensure a production capacity for the EU of more than six million units per year, while the opening of a second plant in the UK is planned for 2021. third plant in Germany is planned for 2022t.

An economically viable and practical alternative to polystyrene, which is extremely harmful to the environment, is indispensable. The packaging produced by MMC is 100 per cent biodegradable and decomposes on home compost within 40 days. The material is completely broken down in water in just 180 days and could therefore contribute to reducing plastic waste in the world's oceans in the long term.

A number of well-known brands that are serious about reducing their environmental impact are already customers of MMC, including Lush Cosmetics, Raine Marine, Bodyshop, Seedlip (Diageo Group) and the luxury designer Tom Dixon.

"We chose the name Magical Mushroom Company because mycelium has truly magical properties. It is thanks to them that we can produce a robust, cost-effective and sustainable alternative to polystyrene packaging that completely degrades in less than 40 days. Our operations are up and running, the order volume is growing and we are delighted with the rapid expansion of our production. We are receiving consistently positive feedback from customers and early adopters are coming back without exception." Paul Gilliganfounder and CEO

"We have over ten years' experience in the large-scale production of materials made from mycelium and are delighted that consumers and brands around the world are embracing Mushroom® packaging," says Gavin McIntyreco-founder and Director of Business Development at Ecovative Design. "In collaboration with the Magical Mushroom Company, we want to further develop the technology and make this ground-breaking packaging solution available to other brands."

Source: MMC