Mycelium material in interior design. Acceptance level amongst future users of new eco-aesthetics

Abstract

Mycelium-based composites (MBCs) show great potential as a sustainable alternative to conventional biopolymers in the production of environmentally-friendly furniture and interior decor. While these innovative biocomposites have numerous ecological benefits, they pose a new challenge in aesthetics and consumer acceptance. Furniture made from mycelium and lignocellulosic substrates has a porous texture, uneven surface, and unpredictable coloring due to the natural growth patterns of mycelium. Although production methods can be improved and imperfections reduced, the inherent randomness of mycelium growth cannot be eliminated. These factors and the natural provenance of such materials can be a challenge in interior design. For these reasons, it is justified to measure the level of acceptance of such materials as objectively as possible. The article presents and justifies three complementary consumer tests suitable for MBC materials and product acceptance level measuring. The proposed set of consumer tests includes (1) an organoleptic evaluation of the material, using three senses simultaneously, (2) a product acceptance and desirability evaluation, and (3) comparative tests of products with the same function, dimensions, and shape, made of two different materials. The results of these tests are complementary and demonstrate to which extent products made of MBC are potentially acceptable to the public. All of these methods support current and future applications of MBC for manufacturing items where enhanced aesthetics are required.