Two turn mushrooms into insulation

Two students have created Greensulate, a strong, low-cost biomaterial that replaces the expensive, non-biodegradable plastics and styrofoam used in modern packaging and wall insulation.

Two former mechanical engineering students from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have created Greensulate, a strong, low-cost biomaterial that replaces the expensive, non-biodegradable plastics and styrofoam used in modern packaging and wall insulation. Gavin McIntyre and Eben Bayer invented Greensulate in 2006 when both were seniors at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, N.Y. Greensulate is a sustainable building material made from mushroom fibers, rice hulls and recycled paper. It is designed resist temperature change, stop fire and repel water in accordance with American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) International standards. In addition, to Greensulate, the two have created Acorn™, a compostable packaging material. McIntyre and Bayer own and operate Ecovative Design.