Antolin has developed a pioneering project that employs mycelium-based natural materials to help reduce the environmental impact of vehicle components. Mycelium is the vegetative part of fungi, so it is found naturally in terrestrial ecosystems.
Thanks to an innovative process, mycelium binds with vegetable residues to develop a structural material with which to produce automotive components. In addition, this form of sustainable production is carbon neutral, as the material development occurs organically directly in the mould, compared to the traditional plastic injection process.
The project increases the efficiency of the circular economy and is the natural response to reduce the use of plastic in automotive parts.
This project also shows how to advance the research of materials and new processes for the automotive industry, with minimal impact on carbon footprints, through the use of 100% biodegradable products at the end of their life cycle, compared to non-biodegradable products that can end up in oceans and rivers. In addition, it gives a second life to waste of natural origin that can be implemented in an industrial setting.
Antolin sees innovation and sustainability as two allies to lead the transformation of mobility from inside the vehicle in collaboration with the rest of the stakeholders—all as part of the new economic and social ecosystem that seeks to contribute to achieving the 2030 Agenda and associated goals.
