Fungus helps transform old mattress waste into sustainable insulation

Researchers at Swinburne University in Australia, led by Dr. Peter Nguyen, have developed an innovative method to recycle discarded polyurethane foam from old mattresses using the fungus Penicillium chrysogenum. This fungus, related to the mold used in penicillin production, grows on shredded mattress foam, with its mycelium acting as a natural glue that binds the material into a lightweight, solid form. The resulting product is a high-performance insulation material capable of withstanding extreme heat up to 1,000°C (1,832°F), with thermal properties comparable to commercial insulation products. This fungal recycling approach addresses the significant environmental challenge posed by mattress waste, which often ends up in landfills where polyurethane foam can take up to 120 years to decompose. Millions of mattresses are discarded annually worldwide, with only a small fraction recycled. The new technique offers a circular, eco-friendly solution by transforming bulky mattress waste into valuable building materials using food- and medicinal-grade fungi and common chemicals. The researchers