Development of a sustainable transport box for cargo bikes made of a new mycelium composite material
The Mycel Bikebox project centers on the exploration and cultivation of diverse mycelium strains for the creation of bio-derived materials, employing organic industrial waste. Mycelium, the unseen fungal network, links organic substances via filamentous cells, growing as it consumes them. By deliberately nurturing mycelia with unique characteristics, we aim at generating novel, organic substances with variable material properties, dictated by the fungus type, nutrient base, and growth circumstances.
The primary objective of this research project is to engineer a specific mycelium composite for the construction of cargo boxes for bicycles used in delivery services together with our partners Bächer Bergmann GmbH and HiveBox Urban Cargo Systems. Preliminary explorations focus on understanding the material’s composition and requirements in respect to the target application and thus selecting suitable mycelium strains with exceptional properties in stability and lightness.
The initial findings from this research are highly encouraging. Mycelium-based materials possess the potential to supplant conventional building materials, insulation, plastics, foam, and other similar substances. Intriguingly, we can direct the growth of these materials into specific shapes, while maintaining their lightness, strength, and durability.
