We’ve already been over the dangers of styrofoam packaging and the need for more sustainable, natural alternatives, which is why this new packaging created by Ecovative Designs is such a wonderful sight to see.
The new EcoCradle Mushroom Packaging uses mycelium and agricultural crop byproducts to create packaging that is non-toxic to humans, completely biodegradable and 100% natural.
The EcoCradle packaging is grown with mycelium, a fungal cell combination that, when mixed with byproducts such as oat hulls or buckwheat husks, grows into efficient packaging material without the use of chemicals, water or sunlight.
Once the packaging has developed, in just 5 to 7 days, it is treated with heat to prevent future growth and sealed into packing parts. If you’re thinking nobody would actually use this, think again. Dell is trying it out to transport their servers, which can weigh as much as 100 pounds.
The strong and durable packaging is completely renewable and biodegradable, so the potential styrofoam and plastic replacement won’t be sitting in a landfill for hundreds of years, and it won’t be seeping chemicals into the Earth. It’s created through the use of agricultural waste that would otherwise be thrown away, so no additional land is required for harvesting.
The best part of the EcoCradle packaging is that it can be grown into whatever shape is desired. If you’ve been wondering how you’re going to ship a porcelain collector’s set of all the US presidents to your Grandma without them breaking through those pesky packing peanuts, this may be your solution.
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