Safe and sustainable thermal insulation: this is how mushrooms turn old mattresses into a building raw material

©Haley Owens via Unsplash

What we think of as a bulky waste product that is difficult to dispose of could well become one of the most interesting building materials of the future. Indeed, from discarded mattresses, a new type of lightweight and safe insulation is created, obtained thanks to the use of fungi. A solution that revolves around circular economy, waste reduction and bio-innovation, perfectly in line with the values of all those who dream of greener cities and more sustainable homes.

The discovery comes from the Swinburne University of Technology, where a group of researchers has been testing a totally new way to reuse end-of-life mattresses. At the heart of the project is mycelium, the root system of fungi, grown along with the foam from crushed mattresses.

As it grows, the mycelium 'embraces' the waste material and compacts it, creating a solid but surprisingly light biocomposite. The result is a natural insulation panel born from waste and transformed into a concrete resource for sustainable construction. The research was published in the scientific journal Scientific Reports, underscoring the reliability of the results.

Why mattresses are a huge (and underestimated) environmental problem

Mattresses are among the household wastes that are the most difficult to recycle. They are bulky, composed of different materials and designed to last for many years. This is precisely why they often end up in landfills. In Australia, about 1.8 million are thrown away each year. Of these, as many as 740,000 are still being processed without any recovery, amounting to about 22,000 tons of waste that can take up to 120 years to degrade.

The figures are thought-provoking and clarify why finding alternative solutions can no longer be put off. Giving these materials a second life means fewer landfills and a lower environmental impact from a sector that is often overlooked.

Remarkable performance against heat and fire

The most interesting finding has to do with the performance of the new material. Indeed, during growth, mycelium forms natural mineral compounds that can withstand extreme temperatures. Laboratory tests have shown that the material remains stable even near 1,000°C, a fact that opens up important perspectives in terms of fire resistance.

In terms of thermal insulation, its performance is very similar to that of traditional insulation materials already used in homes. This means that we are talking about a solution that could actually make its appearance on the construction market.

A natural, safe and industrially compatible process

Another essential aspect: safety. The fungi used are closely related to strains already used in the food and pharmaceutical industries. In addition, the process is based on common and widely used chemicals, limiting the risks to health and the environment.

According to researchers, this approach shows how biology can dialogue with materials science and provide practical, low-impact solutions to complex environmental problems.

Looking to the future, the application possibilities are numerous. This material could be used as lightweight insulation, as fireproof insulation, for the production of building panels or even parts destined for 3D printing in the construction industry.

It's a concrete example of how the circular economy can stop being a slogan and become an actual solution: less waste, less consumption of primary raw materials and more smart, nature-inspired solutions.

(©Nature via GreenMe.it 2026/Managing Editor: Julie Morgan - The Press Junction/Picture: ©Haley Owens via Unsplash)