Textile Waste Diversion
Mycelium Composite Initiative
In Partnership with
The project is in the early stages of product development, with successful trials in growing small-scale mycelium bricks and molded objects. These early forms have proven that natural fiber textile waste can support healthy mycelial growth. Current efforts are focused on refining the material mix, improving form integrity, and exploring design applications.
Product Development
This research-driven project explores how natural fiber textile waste, including post-consumer and discarded production-scraps, such as cotton, linen, hemp and other plant-based fabrics can be repurposed into biodegradable, mycelium-based materials. The project is focused on addressing textile waste at its source, using fungal root systems (mycelium) to grow and infuse into new materials that are fully compostable and add nutrients to soil, at the end of their life. The goal is to offer a circular, low-impact alternative to landfill or incineration for fabric waste that is otherwise considered unusable.
Further exploration includes the introduction of synthetic fibers and other natural-fiber materials.
The project is built on the belief that the future of design lies in regenerative processes. By blending scientific research with sustainable design practices, the initiative aims to prototype new products, such as biodegradable bricks, tiles, sound attenuating panels, plant pots, packaging components, sculptural forms and more, made entirely from textile waste and fungal matter.
Material Research and Development
The Mycelium Composite Initiative focuses on developing plant fibre reinforced mycelium composite materials using diverted natural fibre waste streams.
The process begins by combining shredded plant fibres with selected mycelium cultures and packed into molds. As the mycelium grows, it spreads through the fibre substrate, forming a dense structural network that binds the fibres together. Once the material has reached target stages of growth, it is heat treated to stop biological activity and stabilize the composite structure.
The resulting material is lightweight and biodegradable, and can take on the shapes and forms of the mold it was cast in. This approach allows materials to be grown, reducing energy and chemical inputs while transforming organic waste into usable products.
Mycelium Strains Being Explored
The project is experimenting with several mycelium strains, including:
- Turkey tail (Trametes Versicolor)
- Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus Ostreatus)
- Reishi (Ganoderma Lucidum)
- Additional strains suited for composite growth
Different strains can influence growth speed, base material preference, structural density, and material performance.
Material: Waste cotton clothing/textiles (Goodwill Industries)
Repurposed into: Block- Research Process
Process: Shredded Textile
Inoculated with Mycelium (Turkey tail)
Molded into a block
Material: Cotton scraps (TMU- School of Fashion)
Repurposed into: Plant Pot- Research Process
Process: Inoculated with Mycelium (Turkey tail)
Molded into a pot shape
Material: Cotton scraps (TMU- School of Fashion)
Repurposed into: Mushroom Pot- Research Process
Process: Inoculated with Mycelium (Turkey tail)
Molded into a pot shape
Mushroom allowed to fruit
Early Prototype Development
Initial research and prototyping has produced a variety of experimental forms and material samples, including:
- Structural composite blocks
- Molded plant containers and pots
- Experimental composite panels
- Custom molded shapes
These prototypes help test different fibre compositions, mold structures, and growth conditions. Future development may explore applications such as product packaging, architectural materials, and display forms for the fashion industry, including mannequins and garment display structures.
Natural Fibres Currently Being Tested
The research focuses exclusively on plant-based fibres, including:
- Cotton fibre waste
- Hemp fibre waste
- Other plant-derived textile materials
Animal fibres are not used within the research process.
Workshops
We ran our first set of workshops May 2025 and we are currently in the process of organizing future workshops.
If you are interested in participating in workshops in 2026 as a individual or group contact us at hello@mpolodesigns.ca
Check out what we have done in previous workshops in this video!
