For decades, fungi have been overlooked – relegated to the kingdom between plants and animals, yet possessing extraordinary biological capabilities. Now, scientists and innovators are finally recognizing their potential to revolutionize industries from packaging and construction to electronics and environmental cleanup. The recent Future is Fungi Awards highlighted a wave of breakthroughs showing just how versatile these organisms are.
The Biological Powerhouse
Fungi, particularly their thread-like root systems called mycelium, thrive in conditions humans consider hostile. They can break down complex molecules like plastics and petroleum compounds, while simultaneously building strong, lightweight materials from agricultural waste. This dual ability – destruction and construction – is what makes them so uniquely valuable.
The key is not just their versatility, but their efficiency. Fungi can synthesize chemicals, clean up pollution, and even function as biological computers without the energy-intensive processes of traditional manufacturing.
From Self-Composting Diapers to Sustainable Chemicals
One striking example is the Hiro diaper, designed to break down entirely within a year thanks to embedded fungi that digest the plastics. While challenges remain with stubborn polymers like polyethylene, the core concept is viable.
Beyond waste management, companies like Michroma and Mycolever are using fungal fermentation to produce greener alternatives to petrochemical-derived additives. Unlike synthetic processes, fungal production requires fewer resources and offers greater flexibility.
“Over the last few decades, we’ve figured out that there are an estimated 5.1 million species of fungi on this planet… We’ve realised they’re capable of so much,” says Britta Winterberg, CEO of Mycolever.
Beyond Materials: Fungal Electronics and Firefighting Foam
The potential doesn’t stop at materials. Researchers are exploring fungal mycelium as a base for unconventional computing circuits. These living materials can pulse, store signals, and even respond to environmental stimuli.
Meanwhile, Metanovation is developing a mycelium-based firefighting foam that biodegrades naturally, unlike synthetic foams loaded with harmful PFAS chemicals.
A Realistic Outlook
While fungal technology holds immense promise, it’s not a silver bullet. Some plastics remain resistant to fungal degradation, and full-scale fungal electronics are still speculative.
However, the broader trend is clear: fungi are nature’s original engineers, and we are only beginning to unlock their potential. The key lies in integrating these organisms into a broader shift towards sustainability, not replacing all conventional technologies.
In the search for solutions to environmental and industrial challenges, the answers may already be quietly growing beneath our feet.
