Formed by graduates of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute -- known as Ecovative Design LLC and as Ecovative -- is a biomaterials science company, developing home-compostable bio plastics based on mycelium (the vegetative roots of mushrooms). The firm's packaging materials are used in building products, consumer products, and automotive markets. Focused on the research and development of mycelium as a new class of polymeric material, closing the gap between plastics and wood. The mycelium transforms local agricultural waste feedstock into filamentous low-cost structures made out of chitin, allowing for shock protection, insulation, and flame resistance applications. The firm's first product, Greensulate, is a direct replacement to expanded polystyrene products with cross-industry applications including recreational, packaging, and home building. The company develops home-compostable bio plastics based on mycelium. Its packaging materials are used in building products, consumer products, and automotive markets. The companys structural composites are used as replacements for engineered wood, including particleboard and fiberboard
