Frequently Asked Questions
Do you ship internationally?
No, at this time we are only shipping to the USA. We do have a licensee named Grown.bio which provides GIY material to the EU. Please order from them here: https://www.grown.bio/shop/
How many days does the mycelium material take to grow?
Like all living things, the temperature and environment affect the speed of growth of an organism. Ideal conditions, humid 72 degrees Fahrenheit, the dry GIY grows for 3-5 days in the bag until white, then 4-6 days in the form until white again, and 1 day in a pod then 1 day to dry. The start to finish is around 10 days.
What is the shelf life of the GIY bags and finished grown parts?
In indoor conditions the grown part is shelf stable for 30 years. Unless it is exposed to constant moisture and other environmental conditions, it should not grow mold. The dehydrated GIY material is shelf stable and should be used within 10 weeks of the date on the bag’s label, but lasts longer if refrigerated. Living GIY material must be kept refrigerated at all times and used within 3 months.
Is the material waterproof?
Mycelium is naturally hydrophobic and water will condense on the surface. However, if the grown shape is immersed in water or repeatedly saturated, it will lose its rigidity and
will become susceptible to degradation. Inconsistent moisture exposure from weather may allow the material to passively dry and maintain some rigidity. If left in a waterway the material will break down in 180 days with no harm to the environment.
How much does the material shrink after drying in the oven?
The material will shrink 4% in the X and Y, and 7% in the Z direction. The final dried product will weigh 35% the original weight.
What is the weight and volume of the GIY materials?
The GIY dehydrated material weights 0.9 lbs when dry, and after hydration weighs 3 lbs. The hydrated GIY material will fill a volume of 0.12 ft^3
The Living material is already hydrated and growing and weighs 10 lbs. The Living material will fill a volume of 1 ft^3
Is the material compostable or recyclable?
It is 100% home compostable. When divided into 1 cubic inch pieces, the grown part composted within 45 days in soil and 180 days in water. Do not recycle the material.
How can you post process GIY materials?
The mycelium material can be cut with a bandsaw, tablesaw, drilled into, laminated with wood, etc. The smaller the substrate the better precision on a CNC router. Some artists blend the dry GIY in a blender to create a finer texture before hydrating and growing. The material can be sanded and finished with beeswax, milk paint, water-based polyurethane, and more. We recommend natural, biobased sealants as the purpose of
the material is to not add toxins to the environment.
What is not a good application for the material?
GIY material is a blend of hemp hurd and mycelium, the composition is too woody for food contact and is not a substitute for food to-go containers, cups, plates, cups, etc. It is not certified for direct food contact.
What are the properties of the GIY material?
The material is naturally hydrophobic, acoustically insulating, flame resistant, and more. See our full spec sheet here: https://grow.bio/pages/spec-sheet
Where can I find the MSDS for the GIY material?
We have the material safety data sheet available for viewing and downloading linked on our website here: https://grow.bio/pages/msds
Where is GIY material made?
Grow.bio is the education and community division of Ecovative Design headquarted in Upstate NY. We have a global network of growth and distribution facilities, and our EU
licensee Grown.bio, also provides GIY kits to their region.
Can't find what you're looking for?
Send us an email to tell us what's up and someone from our knowledge team will get back to you as soon as possible. Be sure to include your order number (if you have one).
Please email us at giy@ecovative.com