Mycelium, the foundational network of fungi made up of branching, thread-like structures called hyphae, is gaining recognition for its ecological and versatile applications across multiple sectors, including construction materials and food alternatives. This exploration builds upon a preliminary inventory of mycelium-derived products, highlighting the contributions of specific companies and their groundbreaking products. Enhanced with the latest verified information, it underscores the innovative use of mycelium by entities such as Ecovative Design, MycoWorks, and MyForest Foods, among others. These efforts showcase mycelium’s role in promoting sustainability and offering eco-friendly solutions within diverse industries.

MycoComposite and MycoFlex by Ecovative Design: Ecovative Design has pioneered the use of mycelium in creating sustainable materials like MycoComposite and MycoFlex. MycoComposite is used in packaging, insulation, and even furniture, employing mycelium as a binder with agricultural byproducts. MycoFlex, on the other hand, is a 100% mycelium product developed into flexible foams, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional foams in cosmetics, luggage, and footwear​​​​.

MycoInsulation and MycoMATERIALS by MycoWorks: MycoWorks focuses on creating high-quality materials using Fine Mycelium™, including MycoInsulation for sustainable building insulation and MycoMATERIALS for various applications such as MycoFoam and MycoTextile​​.

MycoProtein by Terramino Foods: Terramino Foods has developed MycoProtein, a sustainable, plant-based protein source from mycelium, addressing the growing demand for alternative proteins​​.

MycoFurniture by Fungi Futures: Fungi Futures produces MycoFurniture, utilizing mycelium and agricultural waste to create a line of sustainable furniture, demonstrating the application of mycelium in the design and manufacture of eco-friendly home furnishings​​.

MyBacon by MyForest Foods: A notable addition to the list of mycelium-based products is MyBacon, a mycelium-based bacon alternative created by MyForest Foods. Using Ecovative’s AirMycelium™ technology, MyBacon aims to replicate the taste and texture of traditional bacon in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner. It represents a significant step forward in the use of mycelium in food production, offering a guilt-free alternative to meat that’s grown sustainably in vertical farms​​.

The incorporation of mycelium into these various products highlights its potential as a sustainable alternative to traditional materials in industries ranging from construction and packaging to fashion and food. The commitment of companies like Ecovative Design, MycoWorks, and MyForest Foods to innovation and sustainability underscores the growing importance of mycelium in the global effort to create more eco-friendly products and processes.