Fungal Mycelium and Cotton Plant Materials in the Manufacture of Biodegradable Molded Packaging Material: Evaluation Study of Select Blends of Cotton Byproducts

Since polystyrene is non-biodegradable, a biodegradable material that is eco-friendly is being sought as a substitute for packaging and insulation board consumers. One such process, developed by Ecovative Design, LLC, involves growing fungal species on agricultural biomass to produce an eco-friendly packaging product (EcoCradle (TM)) and insulation panels (Greensulatem (TM)). The objective of this research was to develop and evaluate six blends of processed cotton plant biomass (CPB) materials as a substrate for colonization of selected fungi in the manufacture of molded packaging material. The blends were comprised of processed CPB, cotton seed hulls, starch, and gypsum. The four ingredients were the same mix percentage for all six blends with the particle size of the CPM being the only difference. CPB particles sizes ranged from 0.1 to 51 mm. Tests were conducted to evaluate the physical and mechanical properties of the six CPB blends. Test results revealed blends that met or exceeded like characteristics of extruded polystyrene foam.