THE PRODUCT

We developed a mushroom-based product to replace expanded polystyrene („styrofoam“) in the packaging industry. This allows manufacturers to choose an environmentally friendly solution (biodegradable in less than 90 days), without having to compromise on the main benefits, such as pricing, durability, insulation and weight.

Lightweight

Lowcost

Shock-resistant

Insulating

Biodegradable

MYCROBEZ

In the summer of 2019, Mycrobez as an idea came to life. Fast forward to winter and we had established the Mycrobez GmbH after winning the Swiss Student Sustainability Challenge, Swiss Student Startup Challenge and a place in the Impact Hub Basel Incubator Program.

Our biodegradable packaging will contribute directly to a circular economy. Our business positively impacts the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals 8, 9, 12, 14 and 15.

BUSINESS

The global expanded polystyrene (EPS) market is estimated to grow from $15 billion in 2018 to over $24 billion by 2027 with a CAGR of 5.3%.
The market share of EPS used for packaging is 31% (i.e. USD 5 billion worldwide). The foam packing industry is promoting recycling efforts and incineration of EPS after its single use in order to combat the urge of policy makers, consumers and big corporations to become more environmentally friendly.

The reality is that degradation of EPS based packaging materials takes more than hundred thousand years. With a worldwide average of 95% of all waste ending up on landfills or in the environment, EPS based packaging is a significant contributor to global pollution. While recycling rates in the developed world are higher, the biggest and fastest growing markets for EPS based packaging materials are in the Asia-Pacific region with a market share of over 47%.

EPS used for packaging

CAGR

0mio USD

European market volume

STRATEGY

Our overarching business model is B2B since single consumers will hardly require such amounts of packaging. MYCROBEZ efforts will be focused on establishing a dominant position in the market with a key substitute for EPS. Competitive advantages are the superior material properties and positive environmental impact.
In a three phase strategy different market segments are to be targeted following each other as business volumes surge.