Story perspectives

New Fungal Coating Could Replace Plastics in Packaging

10/23/2025

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Summary

Story summary

University of Maine researchers have developed waterproof coatings using edible fungi Trametes versicolor, also known as turkey tail.
The coatings fuse fungal mycelium with cellulose nanofibrils to form a biodegradable layer.
The coating resists water, oil, and grease and remains thin and hydrophobic.
The technology could replace single-use plastics in packaging and textiles and reduce plastic pollution, while researchers work to optimize the coatings for broader industrial use.

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Story summary

University of Maine researchers have developed waterproof coatings using edible fungi Trametes versicolor, also known as turkey tail.
The coatings fuse fungal mycelium with cellulose nanofibrils to form a biodegradable layer.
The coating resists water, oil, and grease and remains thin and hydrophobic.
The technology could replace single-use plastics in packaging and textiles and reduce plastic pollution, while researchers work to optimize the coatings for broader industrial use.