This project proposes custom-molded corner and edge protectors made from mycelium and agricultural residues as a bio-based alternative to expanded polystyrene (EPS) used in heavy furniture packaging. Rice straw, bagasse, and wood residue can serve as the substrate. Mycelium grows through the fibers and acts as a natural binder, allowing the material to form lightweight protective geometries inside reusable molds. The design focuses on L-shaped corner guards and elongated edge protectors that fit vulnerable furniture areas during storage and transport. The proposed workflow covers substrate preparation, sterilization, inoculation, molding, incubation, drying, heat treatment, and final inspection. The concept supports SDG 9 and SDG 12 by combining bio-based material innovation with circular use of agricultural side streams. The current project is at the concept and process-design stage. Physical prototypes must be validated for compression strength, impact protection, moisture resistance, dimensional accuracy, and compostability before commercial adoption.
Heavy furniture needs reliable protection at corners and edges during warehousing and transport. EPS foam is widely used because it is light and provides cushioning, but it is commonly discarded after one use and is difficult to collect and recycle economically because of its low density and bulky volume. Removing protective packaging is not practical because damage to furniture creates additional waste and cost. A protective solution is therefore needed that maintains a close fit around vulnerable areas while reducing dependence on persistent plastic packaging and creating value from agricultural residues.
The novelty lies in applying a mycelium-agricultural-residue composite specifically to custom-molded corner and edge protection for heavy furniture. The design combines waste valorization, geometry tailored to furniture damage points, and a circular end-of-life pathway within one packaging system. Rather than cutting generic foam blocks, the material is grown in molds shaped for the required corner or edge. This approach uses agricultural side streams as feedstock and concentrates material where protection is needed.