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Howdy Mycopreneurs, today’s newsletter is written by our esteemed Mycololist-in-residence Ezequiel Cruz of Fungaria. The invitation to today’s Mycopreneur Incubator is at the bottom of this dispatch on innovative fungal products. 

Out-of-the-Box Fungal Products You Should Know About! 💡🌟🍄

Ezequiel A. Cruz-Campuzano - Fungaria

Hello there, my fellow Mycoheads! It’s your boy Ezequiel back again to talk about innovative products made from fungi — specifically those fine threads that run through substrates: The Mycelium. Mushrooms have grown far beyond the kitchen or the supplement aisle. Around the world, startups and designers are tapping into the radical potential of mycelium to craft sustainable and unexpected creations. From architecture to burial practices, here are seven fungal innovations that just might blow your mind.

1. The Living Cocoon™ (Loop Biotech, Netherlands)

Loop Biotech’s 'Living Cocoon' is a biodegradable coffin crafted from mycelium of native fungal species in the Netherlands, combined with hemp fibers. According to the company, each cocoon can be fully grown in just seven days!. Once buried, this living material not only decomposes in just 45 days but also contributes to ecosystem restoration by enriching the soil with nutrients during the decomposition process. Unlike conventional coffins, which may take decades to break down and often leach harmful chemicals, the Living Cocoon is entirely organic and compostable. Its creators envision a return to natural cycles — a burial option that gives back to nature rather than harming it. This product stands at the crossroads of biotechnology and ecological ethics, demonstrating how fungi can reframe our relationship with death.

“Wild” color variant of the Living Cocoon™

More info: https://loop-biotech.com/living-cocoon/

2. MycoHab’s Mycoblocks (Namibia)

In Namibia, MycoHab is building homes with an unexpected partner: Fungi. The process by tackling an ecological issue — the eradication of Acacia mellifera, an invasive shrub — through the cultivation of edible Pleurotus species (check our last blog for more on the concept of invasive species). The encroacher plant serves as a substrate for growing Oyster mushrooms, which are then sold locally as food. But the innovation doesn’t stop there: MycoHab has developed a method to repurpose the leftover mycelium biomass into lightweight, insulating “Mycoblocks” for construction. These blocks are naturally fire-resistant, carbon-neutral, and biodegradable, offering a compelling alternative to energy-intensive materials like concrete and brick. This initiative not only addresses housing shortages but also transforms problematic plant biomass into a resource. The project reflects how fungi can be localized and adapted to tackle both environmental and social challenges — a truly homegrown solution with global relevance.

An example of a MycoHab’s Mycoblock

More info: https://www.mycohab.com/

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3. Koz’s Mycelium Surfboards (Brittany, France)

Eco-conscious surfers are now catching waves on surfboards made from mycelium, blended with hemp and flax fibers. Developed by KOZ, these boards are built to be durable during use and fully compostable at the end of their life cycle — a sharp departure from the petroleum-based polyurethane boards that dominate the market. The fungal core offers both strength and flexibility, all while significantly reducing the board’s carbon footprint. Although still undergoing refinement for competitive performance, early adopters have praised the boards for their lightweight feel and smooth handling in the water. This innovation brings together sustainability, performance, and biomimicry, proving that high-tech gear doesn't have to come at the planet’s expense.

KOZ’s mycelium surfboards

More info: https://www.kozsurfboards.com/

4. Mycelium Bee Hives by Local Bee (UK & Bulgaria)

In collaboration with the Magical Mushroom Company, Local Bee has created mycelium-based beehives using fungi such as Ganoderma, valued for their excellent thermal insulation properties. These innovative hives offer a breathable and moisture-regulating environment, helping to stabilize internal temperatures and reduce stress on bee colonies. Mycelium’s natural antimicrobial qualities may also support hive health by offering protection against harmful pathogens. Similar initiatives, like Hiveopolis in Europe, are exploring the integration of sensors and adaptive designs in mycelium hives to monitor and better understand bee behavior. Unlike conventional plastic or wooden hives, mycelium structures are fully biodegradable and can even be composted along with beekeeping waste, blending sustainability with functionality in pollinator support.

Characteristics of Local Bee’s Bee Hive

More info: https://magicalmushroom.com/mushroom-packaging/case-studies/horticulture/local-bee

5. Mogu’s mycelium Acoustic Panels (Vaese, Italy)

Mogu have harnessed the dense, fibrous texture of fungal mycelium to create sound-absorbing panels that double as modern wall art. Typically grown from Ganoderma or Pleurotus strains on agricultural waste, these panels are not only compostable but offer excellent acoustic performance. The production process uses minimal energy and emits virtually no greenhouse gases compared to conventional foam-based materials. Beyond function, these panels are aesthetically versatile, coming in various colors and patterns thanks to natural dyes and molding techniques. It’s a beautiful example of how fungi can contribute to a more sustainable built environment — without sacrificing style.

Mogu’s “Wave” variant of the acoustic panel

More info: https://mogu.bio/acoustic-collection/

(From our sponsors: Mycroboost functional mushrooms have been an absolute game changer for me personally - I consume them on a daily basis and have essentially not gotten sick in the last two years I’ve made Mycroboost a part of my daily routine. I highly recommend picking up some of their mushroom coffee - switching from 3+ cups of regular coffee in a day to primarily consuming Mycroboost mushroom coffee has had a majorly positive effect on my energy levels throughout the day and natural ability to rest at night. 5 Stars - check them out by clicking on the pop up window that says ‘Home’ below the coffee picture)

6. Mycelium Packaging by The Magical Mushroom Co’ (UK & Bulgaria)

The Magical Mushroom Company is leading a shift toward sustainable packaging with its innovative use of mycelium, to create biodegradable protective foams. Grown by feeding fungi agricultural by-products such as hemp hurds or sawdust, the mycelium fills molds to form custom-fit packaging for items like electronics, cosmetics, and wine bottles. These natural materials offer the same cushioning performance as polystyrene but fully break down in compost within 30 to 45 days, leaving no toxic residue. Unlike conventional plastics that persist in landfills for centuries, mycelium packaging offers a regenerative, zero-waste alternative. With major brands already adopting this solution, it represents not just an eco-friendly material, but a rethinking of packaging’s entire lifecycle.

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Shoe box designed in collaboration with Mr. Bailey & Adidas

More info: https://magicalmushroom.com/mushroom-packaging

7. MycoFuture’s Mycelium Travel Pouch (Montreal, Canada)

The Myco™ travel pouch by MycoFutures™ stands out as one of the most refined fungal-based accessories available today. Crafted from lab-grown mycelium leather derived from local Canadian Ganoderma lucidum-like strains (commonly known as Reishi—see our previous newsletter for more on Ganoderma diversity), this innovative material replicates the look and feel of traditional leather without using any animal products. It’s water-resistant, free from toxic chemicals, and fully compostable—making it a smart choice for eco-conscious travelers. Combining a minimalist luxury aesthetic with regenerative design, the pouch showcases how fungi are reshaping not only sustainable fashion but also the everyday materials we rely on. For a deeper dive into their vision, check out MycoFutures™'s appearance on the Mycopreneur Podcast.

The MycoFutures Travel Pouch

More info: https://www.myco-futures.com/

(From our sponsors: Amanita muscaria has been an awesome ally for me lately - Minnesota Nice is the only place I get my Amanita capsules and dried fruiting bodies from. Check them out below and stock up - do it now before the laws change)

Mycopreneur Incubator (Today)

Join us today at the Mycopreneur Incubator - Since the launch of the incubator, we’ve had hundreds of mushroom entrepreneurs from all over the United States and 30 + countries join us to uplevel the mycopreneurial community together. We often have attendees from established, multinational mushroom businesses and there have been numerous cross-pollinations, collaborations, contracts awarded and deals closed as a result of the incubator. You never know who is going to drop in.

Below is a screenshot from a recent Mycopreneur Incubator - This is Oliver from Nutraway Science, one of the top mushroom labs and startups in Poland.

Time: May 29, 2025 3 pm East Coast U.S. / 12 pm West Coast

Link to join:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82642563176?pwd=ce2pSJ6URPOFGrwlaeVCoR40y2EJxu.1

Meeting ID: 826 4256 3176

Passcode: 768094

Please make a contribution in the amount of your choice to:

or PayPal: [email protected]

In the context of thousands of mushroom accounts getting taken down by Meta this week, the Mycopreneur community and weekly Incubator continue to provide turnkey solutions for mushroom entrepreneurs to connect, educate, and promote - Your contributions and sponsorships directly enable the service provided to the community in a time when many are having to seek out alternatives to social media.

Finally, my functional mushroom chocolate company is up for a nomination for an industry wide national award as part of the GreenState Consumers’ Choice Awards

Go to the link here and scroll down to ‘Best Functional Mushroom Product (Without Cannabis) and give Mycoday a nomination - Mycroboost is also up for contention, so a vote there is also a point in our favor!)

Thanks for reading the Mycopreneur Newsletter, see you at the Incubator today.

DW