Innovative startups are leveraging mycelium, the root-like structure of fungi, to replace polluting plastic in the seafood industry, offering eco-friendly alternatives like buoys and coolers that reduce marine plastic waste.
Claire Turrell reports for Mongabay.
In short:
- Mycelium-based products, such as buoys and coolers, are being trialed by startups across the U.S. and Europe to curb plastic pollution in seafood supply chains, potentially replacing non-biodegradable foam.
- With legislative pressure mounting globally, including upcoming bans on Styrofoam in South Korea and possible regulations in Canada and the EU, biodegradable options like mycelium could soon be in higher demand.
- Mycelium’s natural compostability means used products can become fertilizer, unlike plastic foam, which breaks down into harmful microplastics affecting marine and human health.
Key quote:
“We have to design purposively for circular economies. We can’t keep [creating] these massive waste streams.”
— Sue Van Hook, founder of MycoBuoys
Why this matters:
This shift heralds a step toward healthier ecosystems and, by extension, healthier communities. If the seafood industry—one of the largest sources of ocean-bound plastics—can adopt mycelium, it could pave the way for broader change across other plastic-heavy industries. Read more: Bioplastics: sustainable solution or distraction from the plastic waste crisis?
