FAQ
We have posted the answers for you to some frequently asked questions. Have you read the answers, and do you still have some burning questions? Feel free to contact us via the contact page!
Mycelium grows in ambient temperatures. Before using the substrate, you want to slow down the growing process. Place the substrate in the refrigerator (1° – 7°C) and best use it within five days. Don’t place your substrate in the freezer.
No, you don’t have to! We encourage you to do a little experiment and still use your substrate. If it’s very difficult to break up the substrate in small particles, it might be that the mycelium already started doing its job by gluing the particles together. Don’t worry, just add a little bit of water to prepare it for production.
During shipping, the mycelium is exposed to warmer temperatures and therefore starts its growth. The white is the mycelium that is doing its job. Sometimes the shipping takes longer, leading to more white parts in the bag of substrate.
Make sure to properly break down the substrate in small chunks to avoid air cavities when filling your mould.
You can keep the substrate refrigerated for a maximum of five days. During its storage, it loses moisture and can therefore dry out. Make sure you use it when it is still nice and ‘fresh’.
Instead of ethanol, also iso-propylalcohol (IPA) can be used. Also detergent, normally used for dishes, utensils, cups, etc, can be used for cleaning moulds, hands, mixing bowl, etc. Rinse thoroughly so no soap is left behind.
Yes, when baking your product, you can use your own oven. Put the heat around 70° C and leave it for at least 2-3 hours.
No, this is not required. Mycelium grows just fine in a dark place, and some daylight does not matter. Do not place the mycelium in direct sunlight, this will heat the substrate and it could dry out faster.
It’s possible but it’ll weaken the structure of your product. If this is not an issue for the purpose you have in mind for your product, feel free to experiment and extend the growing period. When the substrate starts to turn brown-ish, it means mushrooms are on their way!
Please keep in mind that if you need your product to be strong, you have to stop the growing process in time.
Make sure to keep mixing until all flour is evenly distributed, meaning no chunks of flour in your substrate. Also, try to avoid chunks of substrate by breaking them apart in small particles with your (clean) hands or tools.
Mycelium is not poisonous, but we definitely do not recommend eating the substrate.
No, the material will lose rigidity and will become susceptible to degradation when repeatedly exposing it to water. It does repulse water for some time and it even floats! Of course, it not raining all the time. In between showers the material will passively dry and maintain some rigidity. But in the long run, it will lose.
We are working on the development of a bio-based coating that makes our material 100% waterproof.
Every case is different, but we are happy to explore possible packaging solutions for your product. Reach out to use and we can discuss how suitable your product is.
At Grown.Bio, we focus upon sustainable packaging solutions for people that are looking for circular alternatives. We grow packaging for bottles, electronics, cosmetic products or any other shape that needs to be packed. Check out this page to find out more about mycelium packaging!
I want to experiment with my product once I received it. How can I adapt my product post-production?
The possibilities are endless! You can for example cut the material with a saw, drill holes in it or cover it in laminated wood. We recommend natural, biobased sealants as the purpose of the material is to not add toxins to the environment. The material can be sanded and finished with beeswax, milk paint, water-based polyurethane, and more.
Our materials are not certified for direct food contact. The materials are water permeable and are not recommended for applications such as disposable cups.
It strongly depends on the environment in which you place your product. If you keep it in an inside environment, its lifespan can be a couple of years. Only when it comes into direct contact with soil or water it will start to degrade. Do not expose to high humidity.
