CBE JU-funded MYCOCIRCLE project logo

MYCOCIRCLE

Upcycling mushroom waste to replace animal derived chemicals

Project details

Type of project
Research & Innovation Action
Project focus
Bio-based chemicals
Feedstock origin
Agri-food waste
Feedstock type
Crop residues
Food industry sidestreams
Project period
1 September 2025 - 31 August 2028
Status
In progress
CBE JU Contribution
€ 3 486 567,50
Call identifier
HORIZON-JU-CBE-2024

Summary

Animal-derived materials, such as chitin, collagen and squalene are widely used in cosmetics and agrochemicals. This reliance raises ethical concerns, impacts the environment, and highlights resource limitations, including the killing of three to six million sharks annually for squalene extraction.

MYCOCIRCLE aims to tackle these challenges by upcycling mushroom biomass and developing sustainable biotechnological pathways for high-value materials in the cosmetics and agrochemical industries as alternatives to animal-derived products. The project brings together industry leaders and researchers to demonstrate the potential of mushroom biomass as a viable source for bio-based materials.  

By advancing green biotechnology, MYCOCIRCLE seeks to reduce environmental impact and promote ethical practices, providing a more sustainable alternative for industries reliant on animal-based ingredients. 

Consortium map

Project coordination

  • TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITAET MUENCHEN Muenchen, Germany

Consortium

  • SINTEF AS Trondheim, Norway
  • IDENER RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT AIE LA RINCONADA SEVILLA, Spain
  • NORGES MILJO-OG BIOVITENSKAPELIGE UNIVERSITET As, Norway
  • SVERIGES LANTBRUKSUNIVERSITET Uppsala, Sweden
  • GREEN IMPULSE ANGERS, France
  • GLOBAL SUSTAINABLE TRANSFORMATION GST GmbH Dachau, Germany
  • Magyar Gomba Kertesz Kft. Demjen, Hungary
Partners
  • SOMYCEL SA Langeais, France
  • Acheson & Acheson Limited T/A THG Labs Trowbridge, United Kingdom