Fungi-based insulation boards tested in Germany absorb CO2, block mold

Researchers at Hof University of Applied Sciences in Germany have developed innovative insulation boards made from fungal mycelium, offering a sustainable and compostable alternative to conventional synthetic materials. The project, called Mycobuild, aims to scale production from lab to industrial levels by 2026. These fungi-based boards are grown on substrates made from locally sourced plant residues like dry straw, where fungal networks bind the material into solid panels. Unlike traditional insulation, these boards absorb CO2, resist mold formation, and require less energy to produce, making them environmentally friendly and carbon-storing. One of the main challenges addressed by the team involves controlling fungal growth to prevent contamination and mold, achieved through sterile conditions and careful substrate nutrient balance. To enhance durability and moisture resistance—key factors for commercial viability—the boards are coated with a mineral top layer developed in collaboration with a building materials firm. This coating not only protects against moisture and mold but also increases the material’s strength. The researchers are working toward fully waterproof insulation panels.