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Can companies really go plastic free?

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Plastic is everywhere: packaging, bottles, disposable components. Yet, as its environmental impact becomes increasingly evident, many companies are asking: is it really possible to do without plastic? This article explores the roots of the problem, the most effective alternatives, and offers a five-step guide to moving towards a plastic-free business — with a focus on mycelium as a concrete and sustainable solution.


What is plastic?

Plastic is a synthetic material derived from fossil fuels: cheap, versatile, and durable. But it is precisely this durability that turns into an environmental problem.

According to the report Our World in Data, 37% of plastic waste in the United States — and up to 45% in countries like China — comes from packaging. Only 9% of all plastic ever produced has been recycled, while the rest ends up in landfills or the environment. Moreover, about 60% of global plastic waste originates from the US, Europe, and China.



Why is plastic harmful to the environment?

  • Persistence: it takes 100 to 1,000 years to degrade, breaking down into dangerous microplastics.

  • Pollution: the UN Environment Programme estimates 19–23 million tons of plastic enter rivers and oceans every year, with devastating effects on ecosystems and biodiversity.

  • Climate impact: refining and producing plastic releases 184–213 million tons of CO₂ annually, while landfills emit methane.


Alternatives to plastic

Choosing alternatives depends on the product and supply chain, but the most common options are:

  • Glass and metal: fully recyclable, durable, and non-toxic.

  • Paper and cardboard: biodegradable, recyclable, and easy to customize.

  • Compostable materials and bioplastics: some degrade quickly, though often only in industrial facilities.

  • Mycelium-based packaging: 100% biodegradable, compostable, and designed for circularity.


Five steps companies can take to go plastic free

Becoming plastic free is not a quick checklist — it’s a gradual process of awareness and redesign. Here are five practical steps:

  1. Plastic audit: map out where plastic is used (packaging, protective materials, cleaning products) and assess its impact.

  2. Prioritize elimination: replace single-use and hard-to-recycle plastics first.

  3. Source alternatives: explore glass, paper, or compostables like mycelium.

  4. Redesign processes: test new materials in logistics, automation, and storage.

  5. Communicate transparently: share progress and data with stakeholders and consumers.


Mycelium as a concrete solution

One of the most promising ways to achieve plastic-free packaging is mycelium — the root structure of fungi that grows on organic waste, transforming it into a solid, lightweight, compostable material.


Benefits of mycelium packaging:

  • Eliminates plastic waste entirely, bypassing the waste stream.

  • Cuts costs: no need for expensive molds thanks to its flexibility.

  • Compatible with automation and robotics (pick & place systems).

  • Authentic eco-packaging: compostable chips, FSC cardboard, water-based inks, no chemicals.

  • Virtuous end of life: chips return to soil as natural compost, closing the loop.


This approach embodies the 3Ps paradigm (People, Planet, Profit), addressing environmental, social, and economic needs. The path to a plastic-free business is challenging but possible. Leaving plastic behind means rethinking the economy towards circular, regenerative, transparent models. With its transformative nature, mycelium becomes a real ally: not just reducing waste, but building an authentic sustainability narrative.



 
 
 

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