The “MycEoLA” project originated from a question in the workfield: “What can we do with mycelium biocomposites after their use?” Over the next 2 years, this project is jointly conducted by the MNEXT Biobased Building professorship. It focuses on investigating end-of-life scenarios suitable for mycelium biocomposites, with the ultimate goal of achieving circularity and reducing waste.
Mycelium, the “underground network of mushrooms,” acts as a natural binder to connect biomass into a biocomposite. This project specifically targets mycelium biocomposite foams and myceliumplates to understand the impact of different scenarios after their use in the construction sector.
Possible scenarios
Based on analyses, practical guidelines are developed to guide the field in handling their mycelium biocomposites post-use, making the benefits of mycelium biocomposites clearer to the construction sector. This could contribute to greater circularity within the construction sector, ensuring that biocomposites do not end up as waste.
Five scenarios are being explored for deploying biocomposites post-use in the construction sector: energy recovery, composting, reuse/redesignation, upcycling, and remanufacturing.
Multidisciplinary Collaboration
MNEXT collaborates in this project with HZ University of Applied Sciences, TU Eindhoven, Stichting Agrodome, Bio-Kultura, Fairm, Isolco, FRAAi Architects, Impershield Europe, Reform Gypxel, Saver, QbiQ, and REWIN West-Brabant, with Mogu s.r.l. and Grown.bio serving as both partners and industrial advisory board. This partnership between educational institutions and the field is crucial for the project’s success.
This research is co-financed by the Regieorgaan SIA, part of the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO).