Prague-based biotechnology company MYCO has confirmed that its mycelium-based packaging material has achieved a verified negative carbon footprint, actively helping to remove CO₂ from the atmosphere.
According to the company’s latest independent emissions audit, MYCO’s packaging has a cradle-to-gate carbon footprint of -1.305 kg CO₂e per kilogram of material. This means the packaging absorbs more carbon dioxide during production than it emits, making it a climate-positive alternative to conventional materials.
The material is a composite of mycelium (a network of fungal fibres) and organic waste streams such as sawdust, hemp shavings and paper. The mycelium grows through the loose material and fortifies it, creating a firm yet flexible structure. MYCO says its proprietary technology allows this to be produced at scale, using a continuous line for preparation and drying, coupled with a streamlined moulding process.
The result is a packaging material that competes directly with polystyrene on both properties and price, but with clear sustainability benefits. According to
CEO David Šohaj Minařík, the material naturally degrades in the environment, “creating zero microplastics and leaving a small carbon footprint”. Its firmness and flexibility mean it can fully replace foam polystyrene in a wide range of packaging applications.
Climate-positive results
The climate benefit is stark when compared with traditional materials. According to the company's data, producing one kilogram of polyurethane foam generates more than 5.2 kg of CO₂, while MYCO’s process removes 1.3 kg. Each kilogram of packaging replaced therefore saves up to 6.5 kg of emissions, according to data from the company.
“The result of the emissions audit confirms what we have been striving for from the beginning. Packaging does not have to be perceived as waste but can be part of the solution to the climate crisis,” said Minařík. “Our technology makes it possible to convert waste raw materials into functional protective packaging that has a positive impact on the environment. We thus offer companies the opportunity not only to replace plastic, but also to realistically reduce their own carbon footprint associated with packaging.”
Product applications
In packaging, MYCO produces shaped fixation moulds for product shipping (Myco FixPack) and cardboard-combined systems such as Myco 4Pack (winner of a reddot design award in 2024) and SafePads.
Beyond this, the company is developing Odour Concentrate Carriers and Aroma Diffusers. “We discovered that our material is great at carrying odours and fragrances, which significantly broadens its possible use cases,” Minařík notes.
Looking ahead, MYCO is seeking international growth. “Our goal is for our project to have a real environmental impact and for our material to be used in large quantities worldwide. We’re currently in talks with foreign partners, and an expansion onto the German market is already in the works,” Minařík says.
