One of the fundamental problems we face today is the environmental damage caused by plastic waste and similar hard-to–recycle materials. Feltouch already took a great step towards responsible manufacturing by using at least 50% recycled PET bottles. The current disposal methods for plastic waste and other difficult-to-recycle materials pose serious issues for both the environment and human health. There is a need for more sustainable and environmentally friendly approaches to solve these problems. In this context, projects that aim to convert plastic waste using innovations like mycelium and biotechnology are of great importance and play a key role in environmental sustainability 

Fungi play a crucial role as nature’s cleaners and decomposers. This is where mycelium technology comes into play. Mycelium utilizes the network structure formed during the growth of fungi. This network structure facilitates the natural breakdown of difficult-to-recycle wastes like plastic. By reusing and recycling waste through this method, we can reduce environmental harm and contribute to the sustainability of the global economy. 

In the project carried out in partnership between Feltouch and Biop Biotech, support was received from the TUBITAK 1507-SME R&D Start-up Support Programme to work on utilizing Feltouch’s production waste, Zeroburn, through mycelium technology. Mycelium is the term used to describe the network structure formed by fungal hyphae. Combining this material, which exists in the soil, with zeroburn has enabled the reintegration of waste back into the production line. Additionally, the designed product serves as a good structural element with sound absorption performance and fire resistance.