Global Mycelium Brick Market By Material Type (Mycelium Composites, Mushroom Materials, Others), By Application ( Furniture, Packaging, Textile and Fashion, Agricultural Products, Others), By End-use (Building and Construction, Automotive, Packaging, Electronics, Others) , By Region and Companies - Industry Segment Outlook, Market Assessment, Competition Scenario, Trends and Forecast 2024-2033

Report Overview

The Global Mycelium Brick Market size is expected to be worth around USD 3.2 Bn by 2033, from USD 1.6 Bn in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 7.3% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2033.

Mycelium bricks, made from the root structure of fungi, represent a growing segment in the sustainable building materials market. As an eco-friendly alternative to traditional construction materials like concrete and clay, mycelium bricks have captured attention for their low environmental impact, renewability, and natural biodegradability.

In 2023, the market for mycelium-based materials is estimated to have exceeded USD 10 million, with a significant share of growth driven by innovations in construction and a rise in demand for green building solutions.

In terms of end-use industries, mycelium bricks are primarily being explored in construction and architecture, particularly for sustainable buildings and eco-friendly infrastructure projects.

The green building movement has spurred interest in renewable and low-carbon footprint materials, aligning with the objectives set by The International Energy Agency (IEA) to reduce carbon emissions in the building sector by 50% by 2030.

Government regulations and sustainability targets are pushing the construction industry to consider materials like mycelium that contribute to energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact. For example, the EU’s Green Deal aims for carbon-neutral buildings by 2050, which could significantly increase the demand for sustainable materials such as mycelium bricks.

In government initiatives, several countries are funding research into the development of biodegradable and renewable materials, including mycelium bricks. In the United States, the Department of Energy (DOE) invested over USD 10 million in 2022 to support research into alternative building materials.

Additionally, the European Commission has allocated EUR 2.7 billion under its Horizon 2020 program for green building innovations, including research into fungal-based materials like mycelium. This funding is vital for accelerating the commercialization and adoption of mycelium bricks in mainstream construction.

Private sector investments are also on the rise, with several startups and established construction companies exploring partnerships and acquisitions in the mycelium brick space. For example, Ecovative Design, a leading company in mycelium-based products, raised USD 60 million in Series C funding in 2023.

Exports of mycelium-based products from the U.S. alone are valued at approximately USD 5 million in 2023, driven by increasing demand in European and Asian markets.

Key Takeaways

• Mycelium Brick Market size is expected to be worth around USD 3.2 Bn by 2033, from USD 1.6 Bn in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 7.3%.
• Mycelium Composites held a dominant market position in the Mycelium Brick Market, capturing more than a 44.4% share.
• Furniture in the Mycelium Brick market held a dominant position, capturing more than a 27.5% share.
• Building and Construction sector held a dominant market position in the Mycelium Brick market, capturing more than a 46.4% share.
• Mycelium Brick market, Asia Pacific (APAC) stands out as the dominant region, capturing 37.7% of the market with a valuation of approximately USD 0.58 billion.

By Material Type

By Application

In 2023, Furniture in the Mycelium Brick market held a dominant position, capturing more than a 27.5% share. This segment benefits significantly from the adoption of mycelium-based materials in sustainable furniture design, where its natural textures and eco-friendly properties are highly valued. Designers and manufacturers are increasingly choosing mycelium composites for their ability to be molded into complex shapes, offering both durability and a reduced environmental footprint.

Packaging follows closely, with mycelium materials used as a biodegradable alternative to synthetic foams like Styrofoam. The growth in this segment is propelled by the increasing demand for sustainable packaging solutions across industries, particularly in shipping sensitive electronic goods and perishable items, where the natural cushioning properties of mycelium are advantageous.

Textile and Fashion is another significant application area, where mycelium is appreciated for its leather-like qualities. The industry is exploring mycelium for creating cruelty-free, sustainable fabrics that are both versatile and have a lesser impact on the environment compared to traditional textiles.

Agricultural Products also see the use of mycelium, particularly in creating biodegradable planters and seed trays, which contribute to reducing plastic waste in agricultural operations. The biodegradability and nutrient content of mycelium products can enhance soil health while offering a temporary structure for the growth of plants.

By End-use

In 2023, the Building and Construction sector held a dominant market position in the Mycelium Brick market, capturing more than a 46.4% share. This segment benefits from the increasing adoption of sustainable and eco-friendly building materials, with mycelium bricks valued for their natural insulation properties, fire resistance, and low environmental impact. These characteristics make mycelium an attractive alternative to traditional building materials, particularly in green building projects seeking to minimize ecological footprints.

The Automotive industry also utilizes mycelium materials, particularly in interior applications such as car seats and dashboards where mycelium-based composites offer sustainability without compromising on safety or aesthetic appeal. The unique properties of mycelium, such as its lightweight and durability, align well with the automotive industry’s goals to increase fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.

Packaging is another key end-use area where mycelium is making significant inroads. Mycelium-based packaging solutions are being developed as an alternative to synthetic materials, offering biodegradability and reduced waste. This segment is driven by the growing consumer demand for sustainable packaging options and corporate sustainability commitments.

In the Electronics sector, mycelium is used in protective packaging to safeguard devices from mechanical shock and environmental factors during shipping and handling. The naturally anti-static nature of mycelium materials adds an additional layer of suitability for sensitive electronic components.

Key Market Segments

By Material Type

• Mycelium Composites
• Mushroom Materials
• Others

By Application

• Furniture
• Packaging
• Textile and Fashion
• Agricultural Products
• Others

By End-use

• Building and Construction
• Automotive
• Packaging
• Electronics
• Others

Driving Factors

Rising Demand in Construction

The construction sector is seeing a surge in the use of mycelium bricks, driven by their eco-friendly attributes such as lightweight, insulation properties, and biodegradability. This is in line with the sector’s increasing emphasis on reducing environmental impact and promoting eco-conscious building practices​.

Geographical Insights

North America holds a significant share of the mycelium brick market, due to its advanced adoption and development of sustainable construction materials. The region’s commitment to sustainability has fueled the rapid growth of mycelium-based products. Similarly, Asia-Pacific is noted as the fastest-growing market, driven by robust economic development and heightened environmental awareness​.

Challenges and Opportunities

While the market faces challenges such as limited awareness and adoption, the increasing environmental consciousness continues to drive innovation and market expansion. Educational initiatives and targeted marketing campaigns are crucial for increasing the understanding and broader acceptance of mycelium bricks as a sustainable alternative in the construction sector.

Restraining Factors

Educational and Awareness Barriers

The mycelium brick industry must bridge the knowledge gap and convey the advantages of mycelium bricks over conventional materials to a broader audience. This involves informing stakeholders about the environmental benefits and potential cost savings associated with their long-term use​.

Market Penetration Challenges

Mycelium bricks face competition from well-established building materials that dominate the market. The challenge is not just introducing a new product but also proving its worth in terms of performance and cost-effectiveness relative to traditional options​.

Regulatory and Infrastructure Limitations

Scaling production to meet commercial demands poses a significant challenge. The current infrastructure is primarily geared towards existing materials, and adjusting these for mycelium brick production requires substantial investment and time. Furthermore, stringent regulations can delay the approval and integration of new construction materials into the market.

Growth Opportunity

Expanding Market in the Construction Sector

The construction industry is experiencing a significant shift towards sustainable and eco-friendly building materials. Mycelium bricks, known for their lightweight and insulation properties, are becoming a popular alternative to traditional construction materials. This shift is supported by a growing emphasis on reducing environmental footprints and enhancing building sustainability​.

Technological Innovations

Advances in biotechnology are enhancing the viability and effectiveness of mycelium-based products. Innovations in how mycelium is grown, processed, and utilized are expanding its applications not just in construction, but also in areas like packaging and automotive, where sustainable materials are increasingly demanded​.

Increasing Environmental Awareness

As awareness of environmental sustainability grows, so does the demand for materials that support eco-friendly and responsible construction practices. Mycelium bricks meet these needs by offering a construction material that contributes positively to the environment, thereby appealing to an expanding base of environmentally conscious consumers and businesses​.

Regulatory Support and Investments

Governments and private investments are increasingly supporting eco-friendly innovations, providing financial and regulatory support for sustainable practices. This trend is likely to continue, fostering a favorable environment for the growth of the mycelium brick market.

Latest Trends

Sustainable Construction Drive

There’s a growing emphasis in the construction industry on reducing environmental impacts, which is fostering the integration of mycelium bricks into mainstream building practices. This trend is supported by the global push for greener and more responsible construction methods, with mycelium bricks providing a viable alternative to traditional construction materials due to their minimal environmental footprint​

Technological Innovations

Advances in mycelium production and processing technology are enhancing the performance and application range of mycelium-based materials. This includes improvements in the durability and structural integrity of mycelium bricks, making them suitable for a wider variety of construction applications​

Growing Market Acceptance

As regulatory bodies and industries continue to prioritize eco-conscious building materials, the receptiveness to mycelium bricks is increasing. This is not only reshaping consumer preferences but also driving innovation in the mycelium industry, with a focus on enhancing the environmental performance of these bio-based construction materials​

Regional Growth Opportunities

Particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, there is a robust growth forecast for the mycelium brick market, driven by rapid urbanization and the escalating need for sustainable building solutions. The region is experiencing remarkable trends and robust growth due to the increasing awareness of environmental conservation and a shift towards eco-friendly building solutions​

Regional Analysis

In the Mycelium Brick market, Asia Pacific (APAC) stands out as the dominant region, capturing 37.7% of the market with a valuation of approximately USD 0.58 billion. This region’s leadership in the market is driven by rapid urbanization, heightened environmental awareness, and significant investments in sustainable construction practices.

APAC’s robust growth is also bolstered by governmental initiatives aimed at reducing carbon footprints and enhancing green building frameworks, making it a hotspot for eco-friendly construction materials like mycelium bricks.

North America follows closely, showcasing a strong commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices within the construction industry. The region is a pioneer in adopting innovative building materials, supported by advanced research and development facilities and stringent environmental regulations that promote the use of sustainable alternatives like mycelium bricks.

In Europe, the market for mycelium bricks is driven by rigorous environmental standards and a growing demand for green building materials. European countries are increasingly focusing on reducing environmental impact, with mycelium bricks fitting well into the circular economy model favored in the region.

The Middle East & Africa (MEA) and Latin America are emerging in the mycelium brick market, with growth influenced by increasing construction activities and a rising emphasis on sustainable development. These regions are witnessing gradual adoption as awareness and infrastructure for green building materials develop, presenting potential growth opportunities for mycelium-based products.

Key Regions and Countries

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • The UK
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • India
  • Australia
  • Rest of APAC
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Rest of MEA

Key Players Analysis

The Mycelium Brick market is characterized by several key players focused on driving innovation and sustainability across industries such as construction, packaging, and textiles. Ecovative Design LLC, one of the leading companies in this space, has been at the forefront of developing mycelium-based materials for various applications, including building products.

Their technology has gained recognition for its eco-friendly attributes, making them a prominent player in the green building materials sector. Ecovative’s commitment to sustainability and its role in pioneering mycelium-based solutions for packaging and construction have positioned the company as a major influencer in the market.

Mogu S.r.l and MycoWorks are also significant contributors, leveraging advanced biotechnology to develop mycelium-based bricks with applications in sustainable construction.

MycoWorks, for example, has pioneered the use of mycelium in creating high-performance materials, with a focus on producing bio-based alternatives to leather and other synthetic materials, indirectly influencing the use of mycelium in the construction sector. Similarly, Mogu S.r.l is advancing the use of mycelium in the development of construction materials and sustainable packaging.

Top Key Players in the Market

• Ecovative Design LLC
• Mogu S.r.l
• MycoWorks
• Mycotech
• GROWN bio
• Biomyc Ltd
• Four Sigmatic
• Freshcap Mushrooms Ltd
• Mushlabs GmbH
• Mycelia NV

Recent Developments

In 2023, Ecovative expanded its operations and continued to focus on scaling the production of these bio-based materials.

In 2023, Mogu continued to expand its production capacity for mycelium bricks, which are being used as an eco-friendly alternative to conventional materials in construction.

Report Scope