PPC Business Member Ecovative announced today that it is opening access to a major European patent to all individuals and businesses who wish to use its MycoComposite™ mycelium materials in their own innovations and businesses in Europe. The renewable MycoComposite material offers a nontoxic and more planet-friendly alternative to plastics and other fossil fuel–derived materials made from compostable and regenerative mushroom mycelium.
Ecovative’s MycoComposite material enables the manufacturing of products that are free of forever chemicals (PFAS) and other toxic substances too commonly found in household products, like formaldehyde. Ecovative’s patent outlines a strategic blueprint for the creation of eco-friendly and renewable mushroom mycelium composites—and makes it available to others to use.
In 2023, Plastic Pollution Coalition nominated Ecovative to be considered for the prestigious Earthshot Prize, which aims to infuse more optimism into solving today’s biggest environmental challenges by highlighting the ability of human ingenuity to bring about positive change, and inspire collective action.
Mushroom Mycelium is a More People- and Planet-Friendly Choice
Ecovative’s MycoComposite is made of mycelium grown on unused parts of plants, such as hemp scraps, that would otherwise be wasted by the agriculture industry. As a material, MycoComposite requires reduced inputs of energy, water, and other precious resources compared to other material options. It is a non-toxic option for replacing single-use materials, which can help reduce climate-warming CO2 emissions and other pollution across a wide range of industries.
The European Open Patent Program for MycoComposite is intended to encourage innovation in plastic-free products. The patent is already in use around the world in protective packaging, construction materials, architecture, and innovative applications to replace petrochemical use. Several successful businesses have already been launched using MycoComposite, notably Loop Biotech, which makes mycelium coffins and urns.
Loop Biotech has seen firsthand the huge demand for innovative, planet-friendly solutions enabled by mycelium materials. I started this company to help humanity leave a positive footprint on the Earth, which is only possible when we collaborate with living organisms like fungi.
— Bob Hendrikx, founder of Loop Biotech
How to Collaborate with Ecovative
A sharp rise of interest in Europe for entrepreneurial applications of MycoComposite make it a good place for testing the potential of open access patents to spur an increase in innovations and businesses around mycelium technology. MycoComposite licensing and partnership opportunities will continue to be available outside of Europe. The company owns numerous patents and patent applications related to mycelium manufacturing and product development globally.
The goal of Ecovative has always been to provide the ‘picks and shovels’ for a new generation of businesses realizing the potential of mycelium technology. The growing demand for environmentally beneficial products and processes is creating immense new opportunities not to reinvent the wheel, but to change what the wheel is made of, and we’re excited to see the new discoveries and scalable solutions made with this versatile technology, for the benefit of Spaceship Earth.
— Eben Bayer, Ecovative co-founder and CEO
Learn more about how sustainable businesses can get involved with the open MycoComposite European patent and find out what it means for the future of mycelium materials. And take action in your own life to refuse single-use plastic.
