New European legislation is making the use of plastics increasingly complex and costly. Solutions such as the MYCO 4Pack prove that the transition to a plastic-free alternative is possible and commercially viable.
With ever-increasing pressure on sustainability and the new EU Packaging Regulation (PPWR), moving away from plastic is becoming a key priority for companies. Increasing the proportion of recycled plastic in packaging is only a temporary solution that does not address the core of the problem. The real opportunity lies in the complete elimination of plastics, especially where more than just a cardboard box is needed for protection. The MYCO 4Pack packaging system is designed precisely for this purpose.
Safety without compromise
The main concern when switching to eco-friendly alternatives is the risk of damage to goods. The MYCO 4Pack, a Red Dot 2024 award-winning system, dispels this concern. It is designed to absorb shocks and vibrations in the same way as polystyrene (EPS), polyethylene foam (EPE), or polyurethane (PUR).
This characteristic has also been confirmed by practical data. For example, Camea, a manufacturer of sensitive electronic devices, confirms that after switching to the MYCO 4Pack, it has achieved not only comparable but even higher levels of product protection than with the plastic foam previously used.
The MYCO 4Pack therefore achieves the same function as plastic, but without a single plastic component. It consists only of paper and a mycelium-based composite, which means that it not only complies with future bans on single-use plastic packaging, but is also exempt from PPWR quotas on the mandatory proportion of recycled content.
Strategic advantages of the transition
Switching to the MYCO 4Pack is not only an ecological step; most of all, it’s a strategic decision with measurable benefits.
Financial security
The system does not require any initial moulding costs, making it affordable even for small and medium-sized series. At the same time, low fees can be expected for compostable and recyclable solutions, which is not the case for difficult-to-recycle plastics, where fees are expected to rise as extended producer responsibility comes into force.
MYCO material also has a low carbon footprint (replacing 1 kg of EPS saves up to 5 kg of CO₂). This will not only have a positive impact on companies’ ESG reporting, but also on waste disposal costs.
Operational efficiency and flexibility
MYCO Safepads can be kept in stock and applied to various products at any time, reducing delivery times. They are designed for easy storage, not only because they are lightweight compared to paper fillers, but also because they can be stacked. Integration is easy, as the system can be adapted to packaging lines and is ready for automation.
Brand reinforcement
“Nowadays, it’s no longer enough to be sustainable, you also need to communicate it effectively,” says MYCO CEO David Šohaj Minařík. “The MYCO 4Pack provides companies with a marketing story about innovative mushroom packaging that is new and memorable for end consumers. This plastic-free solution is also becoming a key point for ESG reporting and tangibly strengthens brand perception.”