Ecovative’s Myco mushroom-based foam is described by the company’s founders as a sustainable and environmentally friendly insulating building material that is not manufactured in a factory but is, instead, grown. It is said to be naturally resistant to fire, possess little if any volatile organic compounds with a price in line with Styrofoam.

Image source: Ecovative DesignEcovative uses mushroom roots that bonds other agricultural products such as corn stalks into a durable insulating material that can then be applied to wall construction. The material has been in use for some years now as a safer, more bio-degradable alternative to Styrofoam peanuts and balls.

The fungi insulation is applied directly to a wood surface and over the course of a few days, spreads its roots into it. In time, it will cure or dry, forming an airtight seal and at the same time, provide additional structural strength to the wall and/or ceiling. Without the need for studs, screws, or glues, the thermal performance of the mushroom insulation is a potential cost saver. However, while the R-value of Styrofoam is around 5 per sq in, the R-value of mushroom insulation is only 1.8 to 4, necessitating the need for thicker walls.