# Plastic-Eating Fungi Breakthroughs Kew Gardens Scientists Advocate for the Eco Value in Mushrooms By Kalin Ned | Published 2018-09-26 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plasticeating-fungi References: [dezeen](https://www.dezeen.com/2018/09/25/state-of-the-worlds-fungi-report-mushrooms-eat-plastic-kew-gardens/) & [stateoftheworldsfungi.org](https://stateoftheworldsfungi.org/2018/reports/SOTWFungi_2018_Full_Report.pdf) Researchers from Kew Gardens in London may have discovered plastic-eating fungi which, in the context of the ecological landscape of today, is incredibly relevant. A scientific report has been created — a first of its kind, to support and justify these findings. The State of the World's Fungi 2018 pays particular attention to the aspergillus tubingensis fungus — a vegetation that has indicated it can break down plastic in weeks rather than years. The scientists maintain that the plastic-eating fungi grow on surfaces of polymeric materials and secrete enzymes that break the chemical bonds of plastic molecules. In light of this, the vegetation can prove to be a key player in addressing the plastic-waste crisis that has been terrorizing global industries. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.9/10 - Popularity: 81% | Activity: 89% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Plastic-eating Fungi:** Opportunity for developing biodegradable plastics and sustainable waste management solutions. - **Ecological Landscape:** Potential for eco-friendly innovations in various industries, such as packaging and waste management. - **Addressing Plastic Waste Crisis:** Opportunity for disruptive technologies that aid in reducing plastic pollution and promoting sustainable practices. ### Where This Applies - **Packaging:** Potential for developing biodegradable packaging materials and sustainable packaging solutions. - **Waste Management:** Opportunity for implementing innovative waste management practices, such as plastic recycling and composting. - **Plastics Manufacturing:** Opportunity for developing sustainable plastics and exploring alternative materials to reduce plastic waste. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Paper-Made Mushroom Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mushroom-punnets.md) - [Fungal Foam Solutions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mattress-foam.md) - [Sustainable Design Materials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mycoworks-reishi.md) - [Compact Mycelium Biohybrid Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mushroom-robot.md) - [Seafood Waste Bioplastics](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/natnov-bioscience.md) - [Mycelium-Based Earplugs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dfc001.md) - [Mycelium-Based Artful Tables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ephemeral-table.md) - [Mycelium Leather Bags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/myco-travel-pouch.md) - [Cooling Mushroom Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mushroom-packaging-1.md)