Turkey Tail Fungus Turns Construction Waste OSB into Low-Carbon Insulation | University of Bath Study

Researchers at the University of Bath have demonstrated that Trametes versicolor, or turkey tail fungus, can grow through waste oriented strand board (OSB) and turn it into a thermally insulating composite material. The mycelium binds the chipped wood without synthetic adhesives, and production emits over ten times less carbon than expanded polystyrene or mineral wool. The study addresses a major waste stream: OSB is common in construction but hard to recycle due to resin binders. The fungus breaks down the organic components and creates a fire-resistant composite. The team notes that drying energy remains the largest carbon source in manufacturing, and long-term durability in humid conditions still needs testing. If scaled, this approach could replace high-carbon insulation and packaging with biodegradable alternatives. The work builds on broader research into mycelium-based materials for construction, offering a practical route to cut embodied carbon in buildings.