In interior design, walls are therefore often covered with so-called sound absorbers. The open-pored surface of the insulation elements absorbs sound and can thus improve room acoustics. However, the panels are usually made of mineral fibres or plastic foams. Some of these materials are neither particularly sustainable nor easily recyclable.

Fungi as co-designers

Fungi as co-designers  A Hamburg-based start-up offers a natural solution: sound absorbers made from fungal mycelium. Mycelium, the network of fine fungal threads, grows underground or in other substrates and helps fungi absorb nutrients. In the panels, the mycelium acts as a natural ‘adhesive’ that binds the various natural components into a stable matrix – water-saving and completely free of artificial and environmentally harmful substances.

Thanks to their open-pored surface, the mycelium panels effectively dampen sound across a wide frequency range. 3D-shaped inserts create different surface structures. The result is completely natural and pollutant-free sound absorbers that can be either recycled or composted.

Market readiness

The sound absorbers can be purchased from the company's online shop.