Meet EcoMycel: Sustainable Insulation Materials made from Mycelium

As part of this year’s ClimateLaunchpad Austria cohort, EcoMycel is developing sustainable insulation materials from mycelium, the root network of fungi. Their biodegradable solution offers a circular alternative to conventional building materials by reducing CO₂ emissions and making use of agricultural byproducts.

We asked the EcoMycel team to tell us more about their mission, their progress, and what lies ahead.

Who are you, and what does your startup do?

EcoMycel: EcoMycel develops sustainable insulation materials made from mycelium, the root network of fungi, as an eco-friendly alternative to conventional, energy-intensive building materials. The biodegradable products reduce CO₂ emissions, improve indoor air quality, and enable decentralized, resource-efficient production using agricultural byproducts.

EcoMycel Team

What inspired your idea?

EcoMycel: Mushrooms are fascinating organisms and humanity relies on them since the stone age. If that is the case why not try to solve modern problems with our "ancient friends"?

What problem are you solving, and why does it matter for a sustainable future?

EcoMycel: The building industry has a huge impact on CO₂ emission and sustainability. Insulation materials are not so eco-friendly and can even harm the environment (styrofoam). With ecomycel biodegradable insulation we not only reduce CO₂ emission of buildings but offer an environmental friendly "afterlife" for these materials. 

Where are you currently and what are your next steps?

EcoMycel: We are in the research and development phase of our material with promising results. Fundraising is our biggest task now. 

The EcoMycel team working on material development

Where do you see yourselves in five years?

EcoMycel: In five years we are through several pilot projects and owning a 2.000.000 € company.

Do you implement circular economy principles, and if so, how?

EcoMycel: We are very much implementing circular economy because of our whole establishment with agricultural waste and biodegradable end product. It is cheap, sustainable, scaleable and well-fitting for a greener future.

Rooted in nature, designed for impact EcoMycel shows how a simple organism can inspire big change. By transforming agricultural waste into high-performing insulation, they combine biotechnology and circular thinking to tackle one of the biggest climate challenges: the built environment.

Photo Credits: EcoMycel

Written by Francisco Aragao