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Description
Biomyc Ltd. is a start-up company, established in January 2018, in the city of Pleven. The company is specialised in design, development & patenting of mycelium products and packaging. Biomyc Ltd. is exclusive partner of Europe’s leading mycelium composite products producer Grown.bio (Netherlands).
The project tackles the widespread problem of Expanded Polystyrene Foam (EPS), a petroleum-based plastic extensively used in packaging, contributing to environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Biomyc Ltd. offers a pioneering solution by utilizing mushroom mycelium-based packaging that is both eco-friendly and fully biodegradable. This innovative packaging is created by combining mycelium with agricultural waste, specifically straw or husk.
One of the main issues the project aims to address is the carbon footprint of traditional plastic, which is approximately 6 kg of CO2 per kg of plastic, making it responsible for nearly 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Traditional plastic takes thousands of years to decompose, and recycling rates remain dismal, with only 9% of all plastic waste ever produced being recycled.
Biomyc''s project introduces a standardized, cost-effective alternative to custom-made mycelium packaging, targeting the cosmetics, wine & spirits, and pharmaceutical industries. These standardized packaging sets can be mass-produced, providing a scalable and versatile solution that aligns with the concept of a plastic-free circular economy. This innovation is set to have a significant and lasting impact on the EU market, offering an environmentally responsible alternative in the packaging industry. The project''s primary objectives are to develop standardized sustainable packaging solutions using mycelium composite and paper, contributing to a circular economy without plastic. This endeavor aims to enhance Biomyc''s market position, foster growth in turnover, and boost net operational profit.
Summary of project results
Expanded Polystyrene Foam (EPS) is a petroleum-based plastic commonly used in the packaging industry due to its lightweight and insulating properties. Despite its widespread use, EPS foam poses significant environmental and health challenges. As a non-biodegradable material, EPS has a very short lifecycle but an extremely long-lasting impact on ecosystems. It is notorious for its low recycling rate, making it one of the most pervasive pollutants on Earth, especially in oceans.
Globally, 14 million metric tonnes of polystyrene are produced each year, contributing significantly to plastic pollution. EPS, like other plastics, is derived from fossil fuels, and its production is highly energy-intensive. The process emits substantial amounts of greenhouse gases (GHG), contributing to global climate change. The carbon footprint of producing plastic, such as low-density polyethylene (LDPE) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), is around 6 kg of CO2 per kilogram of plastic, making plastic responsible for nearly 4% of the world’s total GHG emissions. To put this into perspective, plastic production contributes twice as much carbon emissions as the aviation industry, highlighting the severe environmental cost associated with plastic materials like EPS.
EPS foam is notorious for its persistence in the environment. Once discarded, it can take thousands of years to decompose, during which time it fragments into smaller pieces known as microplastics. These particles are particularly damaging in marine environments, where they are often mistaken for food by marine animals. Ingestion of these particles can lead to physical blockages, malnutrition, and even death in marine species, disrupting the food chain and affecting biodiversity.
Oceans, where a large portion of plastic waste ends up, are severely impacted by EPS foam. The lightweight nature of EPS makes it easily windblown or washed into waterways, contributing to oceanic plastic pollution. The material''s chemical composition also presents a long-term hazard, as it remains in ecosystems for centuries, endangering marine life and coastal habitats.
Apart from its environmental impact, EPS foam poses significant health risks. One of its primary components, styrene, is a suspected carcinogen and neurotoxin. Styrene can leach from polystyrene products, especially when they come into contact with heat or certain foods, potentially contaminating food and beverages. Over time, exposure to styrene may lead to serious health issues such as hormonal disruptions, reproductive problems, and an increased risk of cancer. These risks are particularly concerning given the widespread use of EPS in food packaging, cups, and containers.
Despite its significant environmental footprint, EPS foam is rarely recycled. Globally, only 9% of all plastic waste ever produced has been recycled, and EPS is even harder to process due to its low density and contamination in waste streams. The foam is primarily composed of air, making it expensive and logistically challenging to collect, transport, and recycle. As a result, most EPS ends up in landfills or, worse, as litter in natural environments.
The low recycling rate of EPS exacerbates its environmental damage. Unlike biodegradable materials, EPS does not break down naturally, leading to an accumulation of waste that continues to pollute land and water ecosystems. Even when recycling options exist, the cost and complexity of recycling EPS often outweigh the benefits, discouraging widespread adoption of recycling programs for this material.
EPS foam represents a major environmental and health challenge due to its non-biodegradability, low recycling rates, and harmful chemical components. Its production contributes significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions, with a large carbon footprint that has far-reaching implications for climate change. Additionally, the pollution caused by EPS, particularly in oceans, threatens marine life and disrupts ecosystems, while the presence of styrene in polystyrene products poses potential health risks to humans. Given these factors, there is an urgent need for alternatives to EPS in packaging and other industries, as well as more sustainable approaches to managing plastic waste.
Biomyc Ltd. has undertaken a comprehensive project aimed at enhancing its market position and competitiveness in the eco-friendly packaging sector, specifically focusing on transitioning towards a plastic-free circular economy. The project encompasses several key activities, each designed to innovate and position the company as a leader in sustainable packaging solutions. Here’s a summary of what the project accomplished:
Market Analysis of the Packaging Sector:
- Conducted a thorough analysis of the packaging industry to understand competitive dynamics, consumer preferences, and regulatory requirements.
- Identified gaps in sustainable packaging options, leading to the development of standardized eco-packaging from mycelium materials that meet industry demands for durability and functionality.
Sustainable Design Using Mycelium Composite:
- Emphasized sustainable design by using biodegradable mycelium composites derived from mushrooms.
- Followed a structured design process involving concept development, refinement, and detailed design to ensure the packaging is both functional and environmentally friendly.
Prototyping of Mycelium and Paper Components:
- Developed prototypes of mycelium composite components to validate structural integrity and biodegradability.
- Explored the use of paper as a sustainable alternative to complement or replace conventional plastic in packaging, creating versatile and biodegradable modular solutions.
Development of a Marketing Strategy:
- Formulated a targeted marketing strategy to position Biomyc as a leader in sustainable packaging, emphasizing the eco-friendly benefits of mycelium over traditional materials.
- Aimed to attract environmentally conscious consumers and businesses, fostering partnerships with industries under regulatory pressure to reduce plastic usage.
Development of a Software Platform for Packaging Solutions:
- Created a software platform that showcases 3D visualizations of packaging solutions and offers customization options based on customer needs.
- Integrated modular design capabilities and an order management system to enhance customer experience and streamline operations.
Intellectual Property Right Protection:
- Secured intellectual property rights for 25 unique industrial designs related to mycelium-based packaging, ensuring protection against imitation.
- Established trademark protection for the ONE4(TM) brand, enhancing brand recognition and loyalty in the marketplace.
Competitiveness and Market Position:
- Leveraged mycelium and paper innovations alongside a robust marketing and intellectual property strategy to improve competitiveness.
- Positioned Biomyc to meet the increasing demand for sustainable solutions, particularly in regions with stringent environmental regulations.
Overall, Biomyc Ltd. has adopted a holistic approach that not only addresses current market demands for eco-friendly packaging but also strategically positions the company as a key player in the sustainable packaging landscape. Through innovative use of materials, effective market strategies, and strong intellectual property protection, Biomyc is well-equipped to lead the transition to a plastic-free circular economy, aligning with global sustainability trends while enhancing its market competitiveness.
y developing innovative, eco-friendly packaging solutions that not only meet market demands but also contribute to a sustainable and plastic-free future.
The project undertaken by Biomyc Ltd. has achieved significant results in developing standardized packaging solutions aimed at promoting a plastic-free circular economy, particularly targeting the cosmetics, wine & spirits, and pharmaceutical sectors. Here’s a summary of the key results achieved:
Standardized Sustainable Packaging Solutions:
- Developed two sets of standardized packaging made from mycelium composite and paper, designed for large-scale production. This innovation addresses the need for cost-efficient and versatile packaging options in the market.
Market Innovation:
- Created the first standardized mycelium packaging sets in the EU market, offering a scalable and adaptable solution that combines sustainability with branding potential.
Financial Growth:
- Estimated average annual turnover expected to reach EUR 700,000 by the fifth year following project completion, reflecting significant growth potential.
- Estimated average annual profit projected to reach EUR 70,000 by the same timeframe, indicating improved financial performance.
Job Creation:
- Anticipated creation of four new jobs as a result of the project, contributing to local employment and skills development.
Environmental Impact:
- Project implementation expected to lead to a decrease in CO2 emissions by at least 99.6 tonnes annually, significantly enhancing Biomyc’s environmental footprint and aligning with sustainability goals.
Overall, the project not only established Biomyc Ltd. as an innovator in sustainable packaging but also positioned the company for substantial financial growth and environmental benefits. The introduction of standardized mycelium packaging solutions reflects a strategic move toward enhancing competitiveness in the eco-friendly market while supporting the transition to a plastic-free circular economy.