agricultural waste-grown mycelium by NONGZAO takes over everyday plastic objects

NONGZAO transforms ordinary plastic items into mycelium molds

CONSUMER, Coffee Grounds Mycelium Practice by NONGZAO transforms ordinary plastic objects into eco-friendly items by using them as molds for mycelium grown on agricultural waste, such as coffee grounds and rice husks. Mycelium mushroom grows on monobloc chairs, plastic stools, and lighting fixtures, challenging industrial homogenization, and identifying unique characteristics for each product. By leveraging the natural growth process of mycelium, the project breaks the visual monotony of mass-produced plastic items, offering a diverse alternative.

all images courtesy of NONGZAO

CONSUMER uses agricultural waste to cultivate mycelium

The widespread use of plastic, while advantageous due to its lightweight, cost-effectiveness, and durability, has led to significant ecological issues. Plastic’s environmental impact is profound, with over 430 million tons produced annually, two-thirds of which are short-term use items that rapidly become waste. In regions like Guangdong, China, ubiquitous red plastic furniture symbolizes the industrial era, reflecting societal transformation and aesthetic habits. However, this prevalence has resulted in visual monotony and a decline in aesthetic diversity. NONGZAO uses mycelium in the CONSUMER project, a biodegradable biological material, as a potential solution to replace plastic. Using agricultural waste as a growth substrate, mycelium can completely decompose in soil, thus adhering to closed-loop ecosystem principles. The Chinese studio utilizes coffee grounds, rich in nutrients like cellulose and lignin, as a catalyst for mycelium growth, promoting resource recycling and offering a sustainable solution for agricultural waste. Additionally, mycelium absorbs and stores carbon during its growth, reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.

CONSUMER by NONGZAO transforms ordinary plastic objects into eco-friendly items.

using plastic objects as molds for mycelium grown on agricultural waste

mycelium mushroom grows on monobloc chairs, plastic stools, and lighting fixtures

this approach challenges industrial homogenization and promotes the integration of green ecology

by leveraging the growth process of mycelium, the project breaks the visual monotony of mass-production items

mycelium attributes unique characteristics to each product

the widespread use of plastic has led to significant ecological issues

1/3

coffee grounds were used as substrate materials for mycelial growth

to test the effect of different ratios of substrate and nutrient addition on mycelial growth.

the use of plastic products in daily life is common

project info:

name: CONSUMER ——Coffee grounds mycelium practice
designer: NONGZAO | @nongzao.official
design team: Gang Xv, Yatu Tan, Lili Liang, Zixin He

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: thomai tsimpou | designboom