Stefania Akromah, a PhD student in the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Composites Science, Engineering and Manufacturing, has published findings on mycelium composites in Scientific Reports (doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-62561-7). She also spoke about the work on the 'Somewhere on Earth' podcast. Stefania's section starts at 15 minutes and 35 seconds.

Stefania, alongside supervisors from Bristol Composites Institute, sought to determine if producing mycelium composites is sustainable in Africa, and to identify which manufacturing processes have the most potential to damage the environment. Mycelium composites are biobased materials made from fungi and agricultural residues, which can have a greater environmental impact than conventional fossil-fuel-based materials due to the high amount of electricity involved in their production. Despite this discovery, the team also concluded that the overall potential damage on the environment caused by this technology can be mitigated by incorporating alternative energy sources.

Stefania explained "This study offers valuable insights that can be used to proactively address the potential impact of this technology on the environment and human health."

Professor Steve Eichhorn, Director of the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Composites Science, Engineering and Manufacturing, and Stefania's Primary Supervisor, went on to explain that findings such as this mean that "the right decisions can then be made to ensure that manufacturing has as low an impact as possible, while also contributing to local economies and livelihoods".

Stefania shared the findings on a poster at the 2024 Bristol Composites Institute Doctoral Research Symposium, where delegates were keen to discuss the research with her.

A full press release can be viewed here: Biobased building materials less sustainable than concrete in South Africa