Grow your own compostable bike helmet
Mexico-City based design studio NOS Design designed a bio-fabricated bike helmet called Grow It Yourself, which you can grow yourself from mycelium.
Mycelium is the root system of mushrooms, which, when dried, results in a lightweight material that feels similar to EPS foam. The main difference is that mycelium is completely compostable.
The idea arose from the upcoming alternative sharing mobility systems such as bicycles, scooters and motorcycles. These systems are available for anyone with a smartphone, but they do not include protection gear.
In response to this, NOS developed a helmet that is accessible, made for temporary use, and can be disposed of easily. NOS partnered with the BioFab company Polybion, which developed Fungicel, a mycelium material that develops like a foam to make sure the helmet provides cushioning at the time of impact.
The helmet was mainly developed for children, but can be used by adults as well. After use, the helmet is completely compostable.
Credits:
Design by NOS Design and Agustin Otegui
Grown by Polybion
Collaborators:
Diego Mata
Axel Gómez-Ortigoza
Images: NOS Design