SG Eco Fund Feature — MyKilio
Have you ever looked at your online shopping purchases and despaired at the amount of single-use packaging waste you’ve inadvertently generated? (Yes, 9.9 sale we are looking at you!)
Having met while studying urban agriculture, Beatrice, Wilson and Eddie were discussing this problem when they were inspired with a potential solution — in the mycelium that they were studying.
“Styrofoam, which is commonly used in the packaging industry, is made from fossil fuels and cannot be recycled. We found that our mycelium substrate can function as an eco-friendly substitute for styrofoam. The mycelium, as it consumes the substrate, creates air pockets which gives it thermal and shock insulation properties.”
They decided to submit their idea to the SG Eco Fund under their team name Mykílio (Greek for mycelium), and were awarded with funding to execute their project.
To take it further in waste circularity, Mykílio makes their substrate material from food waste collected from local F&B outlets, such as coffee grounds and fruit leftovers, which would otherwise be sent for incineration. This food waste is processed and turned into substrate material, which is then inoculated with mycelium spores and left to mature till ready for use.
To our question whether their packaging material made from this substrate will “spontaneously erupt mushrooms”, they laugh and share that it will not, as the material is dehydrated at the final step, killing off the spores.
Other than packaging, Mykílio envisions that their material could be used in a wide range of applications including interior design, agriculture and construction. Through their efforts, they hope to raise awareness and inspire action on waste reduction and the use of eco-friendly alternative materials.
Feeling inspired by Mykílio’s story? If you have an idea of your own that supports environmental sustainability and involves the community, you too can apply for the SG Eco Fund to help grow your green idea! Visit mse.gov.sg/SGEcoFund for more information.
#SGEcoFund #SGGreenPlan #TowardsZeroWaste
