It seems 2019 really is the year for mushrooms. Despite being a bit of a love-it-or-hate-it food, there is no denying the sheer power of fungi.

Not only is the colour of them a source of inspiration for this summer’s biggest hair trend, but actual mushrooms are great for skin and are known for their (deep breath, please) brightening, smoothing, hydrating and healing properties. So, really, they’re kind of a big deal.

Just when we thought the repertoire of mushrooms couldn’t get any better, along come all-natural, Margate-based brand Haeckels, which has, somehow, managed to turn them into 100% biodegradable packaging that not only helps feed the earth but it actually adds nutrients as it breaks down.

As a brand, it’s one that is leading the way in terms of implementing solutions that aim to help the ocean crisis. “One of our goals is to make all of our packaging plastic-free within the next two years and we are passionate and dedicated to making necessary change to protect the future of our planet,” they explain.

Dubbed ‘biocontributing packaging’, Haeckels is cleverly adopting the power of Mycelium. Usually found underground in the root system of mushrooms, it takes the form of tiny white threads that weave together. 

These threads intertwine within agricultural waste (like sawdust, flax and hemp husks) and are left to grow around a packaging mould for a period of time.

Once that mould has turned entirely white, it means that the Mycelium has fully encompassed the form and acts like glue. It’s then removed from the mould and left to grow for a little bit longer so it’s able to take on a velvety (and really quite pleasing) texture. 

When it’s fully dried out, Mycelium is lightweight but – and this is incredible – it’s fire and impact resistant, and when it’s been used for its intended purpose it can resued, composted or planted in your garden to help improve the soil quality. That’s pretty mind blowing stuff, no?

Haeckels is combining this packaging with seed paper. Made from recycled paper pulp and mixed with wild flower seeds, it can be placed on top of a pot of compost and it’ll grow into wild flowers.

This biocontribution packaging is currently being used to house GPS candles and Skin Mixology Oil Sets.

Images: courtesy of brand