What is mycelium?

Mycelium is the underground network of fungal threads from which mushrooms grow. This natural material has a wide range of sustainable applications. From leather alternatives to insulation, packaging, and even food products—mycelium is seen as one of the most promising bio-based materials of the future.

Mycelium’s unique properties make it ideal for circular production processes. It grows quickly, requires few resources, and is fully biodegradable. This makes it a sustainable alternative to materials like plastic, leather and even wood.

Innovating cultivation systems
Growing mycelium may look similar to mushroom farming, but it requires specific adjustments in processes, climate, and equipment. Christiaens Group provides not only the infrastructure, like shelving and filling machines, but also innovative technologies.

In mycelium cultivation, factors like temperature, humidity, and CO₂ regulation are critical. Our systems precisely manage these variables to ensure optimal growth conditions. We also develop solutions for efficient harvesting, minimal waste, and reduced labour dependence - essential for a rapidly growing industry.

Mycelium in practice: The MME case
A great example of mycelium’s potential is our collaboration with MME in the Netherlands. Together, we developed a system to grow mycelium as an alternative to animal leather. After an intensive testing phase, scalable production was achieved.

Our role went beyond supplying machinery. We worked with MME to convert an existing mushroom farm in Ammerzoden in the Netherlands and optimize production processes. The results are impressive: MME can now produce enough leather alternatives for over 750,000 pairs of sneakers annually.

The future of mycelium and Christiaens Group
The possibilities for mycelium go far beyond fashion and leather. As demand for sustainable materials grows, new opportunities arise in construction, packaging and even the medical industry.

With our expertise in cultivation and automation, Christiaens Group supports companies in the mycelium industry. Whether it’s building production facilities, optimizing growth conditions, or developing sustainable supply chains - we help both start-ups and established players scale up successfully.

A shared mission for sustainability
At Christiaens Group, we believe in the power of partnerships to make sustainable innovations a reality. Together with companies like MME, we are working toward a future where mycelium is no longer a niche product but a key part of our economy.
Mycelium offers a unique opportunity to accelerate the transition to a circular economy.

Let’s make this change together!

“When fully developed, mycelium could become a bigger industry than mushroom farming. This is only the beginning. With Christiaens as our partner, we have the knowledge and tools to succeed.”

Simon Hoenderop - Co-founder & co-owner of MME