So, what is Mycelium?
Mycelium is the largest organism on the planet.
It is the branching, underground, root-like structure of mushrooms that enables the plants to communicate with one another and exchange nutrients.
You can think of it as Nature’s internet. An invisible network where connections, links and exchanges are happening unnoticed beneath our feet.
Mycelium is also Nature’s biggest recycler. It breaks down toxins, such as plastic or oil, turning them into available nourishment to help other living organisms thrive.
As it consumes organic matter and contaminating substances, mycelium branches out, quickly creating a web of thread-like filaments [hyphae]. These quick-growing filaments are what makes mycelium an efficient packaging solution. It takes around seven days to grow our mycelium packaging – and, then, approximately 40 days for them to biodegrade.
How does Mycelium technology work?
We have Magical Mushroom Company to thank for the mycelium technology that makes this package possible. The process starts by upcycling natural crop fibres, such as corn husks and hemp, that are of no further use to regional farmers. Applying the same natural process that occurs in Nature, the mycelium works to break down these natural fibres. In doing so, they form their characteristic web of durable thread-like filaments that can be shaped and directed into various types of product packaging. This occurs inside an environmentally controlled vertical grow system within a matter of a week.
The result is a fully biodegradable, recyclable and compostable alternative to petroleum-based polymers in traditional packaging. It’s both lightweight and durable, as well as moisture and fire resistant. And, no, it does not mean your Seedlip gift set will sprout mushrooms at any point.
