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Saturday, April 2, 2016, 4:29 PM -

Best known for its tedious assembly instructions and affordable prices, furniture retailer Ikea recently announced plans to use mushroom-based packaging in an effort to reduce waste.

Joanna Yarrow, head of sustainability for Ikea UK, told The Telegraph that the company is considering using biodegradable mycelium "fungi packaging" in its initiative to reduce its ecological impact.

Mycelium is part of a fungus that develops in a mass of branched fibers. Acting as roots for the fungus, it attaches to soil, namely, or whatever other specimen it grows on.

Hence the name Mushroom Packaging, ascribed by U.S. firm Ecovative, who developed the product. Ecovative grows the mycelium in clean agricultural waste, like corn stalks or husks.

Within a few days the fungus fibers compress the waste together and create a firm shape. Scientists later dry the shape to prevent further growth.

"[A]lot of products come in polystyrene, traditionally, which can’t be - or is very difficult to – recycle," Yarrow told The Telegraph.

One of the most common forms of plastic, polystyrene (also known by it's brand name, Styrofoam) creates a toxic ash, and rarely breaks down in a landfill. Mycelium packaging can be easily placed in a backyard or garden where it will naturally biodegrade within a matter of weeks.

source - weathernetwork.com

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