Mushroom Material is transforming the packaging industry with its eco-friendly alternative to styrofoam. “Our material matches the properties of styrofoam for impact resistance, as well as thermal and acoustic insulation while being 100% sustainable and home compostable,” explains Mushroom Material’s CEO, Shaun Seaman. This breakthrough technology, derived from mushrooms, positions Mushroom Material to meet the growing demand for sustainable packaging solutions. Using their industry-first pellet method, they can scale production using existing molding machinery, ensuring seamless integration into current supply chains.
From Skepticism to Finalist
Mushroom Material’s rise to becoming a finalist in JEC World’s 2023 Startup Booster competition was unexpected. “Honestly, I don’t remember hearing about the competition. I was applying for anything and everything at the time,” Seaman says. Initially doubtful about the relevance of this particular competition, the team soon realized the value of the opportunity. Attending JEC World turned out to be a game-changer. “It’s been the best event I’ve attended, with excellent organization, massive exposure, and impactful 1-on-1 meetings,” Seaman confirms.
Overcoming Stage Fright
The pressure of presenting at a major event like JEC World can be daunting, especially for first-time participants. “This was my first real event, so it was very intimidating,” admits Seaman. However, with the support of the JEC World team, the experience was smooth. “Huge thanks to the team—they’re fantastic people and looked after us.” Despite the nerves, the pitch led to significant connections and opportunities, proving the competition’s value to their business.
Pro Tips for JEC World 2025 Participants
Reflecting on their experience, Mushroom Material’s founder offers advice for future participants in JEC World’s Startup Booster competition: “Make sure you have more than one person! We were overwhelmed by the number of people who wanted to connect with us after our presentation.” Bringing a team to manage networking is crucial to making the most of the event. “If I were to do it again, I’d bring one or two more people with me,” he suggests, emphasizing the importance of leveraging the networking opportunities.
JEC World’s Impact on Mushroom Material
One of the most memorable moments for Mushroom Material was realizing the scale of JEC World 2023. “The event was bigger than anything New Zealand has to offer,” Seaman shares. The global exposure and the opportunity to network with industry leaders were both humbling and exciting. “It was wildly memorable and had a significant impact on us,” he says, reinforcing the importance of attending international events like JEC World for startups looking to scale.
The Future of Mushroom Material in Sustainable Packaging
As Mushroom Material continues to grow, the company has big plans for the future. “Styrofoam is out, Mushroom Material is in. We’ll be the new household name. Watch this space,” Seaman says. With a focus on innovation and sustainability, Mushroom Material is poised to lead the next wave of sustainable packaging in the composites industry. Over the next five years, they aim to become a key player in replacing styrofoam with environmentally friendly, compostable alternatives.
Ready to take your startup to the next level? Apply for JEC World’s 2025 Startup Booster competition before the final deadline on October 28th. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain exposure, mentorship, and investment!