About
Grown.bio is a Netherlands-based sustainable packaging company that grows custom protective packaging using mycelium — the root structure of mushrooms — combined with locally sourced agricultural waste fibers. The manufacturing process takes just 7 days: a mould is filled with a mycelium-substrate mix, allowed to grow in a controlled environment for 5 days as the mycelium feeds on organic waste and binds the material, then dried for 2 days to stop growth. The result is lightweight, durable packaging suitable for light to very heavy items, fully replacing EPS (Styrofoam) foam without environmental harm. Grown.bio offers several product lines including Industrial Packaging, Luxury Packaging, Insulating Packaging, and ONE4 Packaging. They also provide a 'Grow It Yourself' kit for businesses wanting to produce mycelium packaging on-site, as well as mycelium-based interior design products. All packaging is certified 100% compostable at home and in marine environments, making it a genuinely circular solution that reduces plastic pollution and CO₂ emissions. The company is ideal for brands, manufacturers, and retailers looking to replace single-use plastic or EPS packaging with a sustainable, premium alternative. With an active investment opportunity and a growing product portfolio, Grown.bio is positioned at the forefront of the bio-based materials industry.
Key Features
- 100% Compostable Material: All packaging is certified for home and marine composting, fully breaking down without leaving harmful residues.
- Custom Protective Packaging: Moulds can be designed to any shape, offering tailored protection for light to very heavy products across industries.
- Grow It Yourself Kit: Businesses can produce their own mycelium packaging on-site using Grown.bio's substrate kits, enabling local circular manufacturing.
- Agricultural Waste Substrate: Packaging is grown from locally sourced organic agricultural waste, reducing waste streams and carbon footprint simultaneously.
- Multiple Product Lines: Offerings span Industrial, Luxury, Insulating, and ONE4 Packaging as well as mycelium-based interior design products.
Use Cases
- Replacing EPS foam inserts in electronics or appliance packaging for eco-conscious brands
- Luxury product packaging for cosmetics, wine, or jewelry brands wanting premium sustainable unboxing experiences
- Industrial protective packaging for heavy machinery components during shipping
- On-site packaging production using the Grow It Yourself kit for manufacturers wanting local circular supply chains
- Insulated packaging for temperature-sensitive food and pharmaceutical products
Pros
- Genuinely Circular & Eco-Friendly: Unlike bioplastics, mycelium packaging is 100% home and marine compostable with no toxic byproducts.
- Comparable Performance to EPS: Offers excellent lightweight protection matching EPS foam, making the switch seamless for manufacturers.
- Versatile Applications: Suitable for industrial, luxury, and insulating use cases, with custom shapes available for virtually any product.
Cons
- Higher Unit Cost Than EPS: Bio-based manufacturing processes can result in higher per-unit pricing compared to mass-produced EPS or plastic.
- Limited to Physical Products: Grown.bio serves packaging needs only — it is not a software or digital platform, limiting its scalability for purely digital businesses.
- Production Lead Time: The 7-day growing cycle requires planning ahead, which may not suit businesses needing immediate on-demand packaging.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is mycelium packaging?
Mycelium packaging is made from the root structure of mushrooms (mycelium) grown into agricultural waste fibers inside a custom mould. The result is a lightweight, sturdy, and fully compostable packaging material.
Is Grown.bio packaging really 100% compostable?
Yes. Grown.bio's packaging is certified for 100% home composting and marine composting, breaking down naturally without leaving harmful residues.
Can mycelium packaging replace EPS (Styrofoam)?
Yes — mycelium packaging offers comparable lightweight protection to EPS for light to very heavy items, making it a direct drop-in replacement with a far lower environmental impact.
What is the 'Grow It Yourself' option?
Grown.bio offers kits that allow businesses to grow their own mycelium packaging on-site using a substrate mix, enabling local production and reducing shipping emissions.
Who is Grown.bio's packaging suitable for?
Grown.bio serves businesses across industries including e-commerce, luxury goods, electronics, food, and industrial manufacturing — any brand seeking to eliminate plastic or EPS packaging.
