FAQs

Q: What is Mycelium?

A: Mycelium is the vegetative part of a fungus, consisting of a branching network of microscopic thread-like cells called hyphae. At microscopic level, it appears as a complex web of tubular filaments, often with a white fluffy appearance, spreading throughout soil, wood, or other organic matter. Although often hidden from view, mycelium is the main body of the fungus—far larger and more functionally important than the visible mushrooms it may produce.

Mycelium plays a crucial ecological role. It serves as the fungus’s nutrient absorption system, breaking down organic materials, storing and recycling carbon, and enabling symbiotic relationships —such as in mycorrhizal networks, where it connects to plant roots and facilitates the exchange of water and nutrients.

Along the past few decades, mycelium has also been increasingly recognized as a sustainable, biofabricated material, capable of growing into dense, foam-like structures, tailored according to the controlled conditions under which it is cultivated. This makes it a promising alternative in fields like fashion, packaging, and architecture, offering sustainable solutions with minimal environmental impact.

Q: What are hyphae?

A: Hyphae are filamentous, tubular cells that form the fundamental building blocks of fungal mycelium. The term hypha comes from the ancient Greek word ὑφή (huphḗ), meaning “web” or “woven tissue”, a reference to their thread-like, interwoven appearance.

Structurally, hyphae are microscopic tubes, typically multinucleate and organized in different ways depending on the type of fungus. In higher fungi, they are divided into compartments by septa (walls), forming septate hyphae. In lower fungi, they often lack septa, resulting in coenocytic (aseptate) hyphae, which are continuous tubes filled with cytoplasm.

Hyphal growth is polarized, meaning it extends at the tips, allowing fungi to efficiently penetrate and colonize substrates, absorb nutrients, and interact with their environment. Some hyphae differentiate into specialized structures like haustoria, used to penetrate host tissues, or rhizomorphs, which resemble roots and transport nutrients across long distances.

Together, hyphae form a dynamic, adaptive network—the mycelium—that drives fungal survival, ecological functions, and even sustainable materials emerging from combined approaches in biotechnology and design.

Q: What is Biofabrication?

A: Biofabrication is an innovative manufacturing process that employs living systems and cells, such as the ones of multiple microorganisms, as key agents to produce sustainable materials and products. Unlike traditional industrial methods, biofabrication leverages the natural growth and self-organization abilities of biological systems to “grow” structures rather than mechanically assembling them.

In the case of Ephea®, biofabrication involves a key partnership with mycelium—the vegetative body of mushrooms—which is typically cultivated on nutrient-rich substrates (i.e., feedstocks). Along its growth, mycelium colonizes and transforms the given substrate, binding its own cells in structurally tailored networks, thus resulting in dense, foam-like materials. Such natural process is guided under controlled conditions to shape the final product and derive inherent properties, without the need for synthetic chemicals or high-energy inputs.

The result is a high-performance, biodegradable material that can be used in fashion, product design, interior design, packaging, automotive, and many more industries. Mycelium-driven biofabrication, like that used for Ephea®, is a cutting-edge, low-impact process shifting the paradigm of production to derive new materials’ classes that can compete in applications typically targeted by plastics, leather, and other conventional materials—thus, contributing to driving the transition to an effectively circular and regenerative bioeconomy.

Q: Why does Ephea® grow instead of being manufactured?

A: Ephea® grows because it is biofabricated from mycelium, the naturally occurring “root-like” structure and vegetative body of fungi. Unlike traditional materials that are mechanically assembled or chemically synthesized, Ephea® is the result of a biologically-lead growth process, rooted in cultivation—thus, not manufacturing in its most conventional sense.

Mycelium is cultivated under controlled conditions, where it is encouraged to colonize a substrate, transforming and binding it together, while self-assembling into a dense and stable material. This natural process doesn’t require highly complex machinery, or synthetic inputs. Instead, such process allows for mycelium structured biomass to emerge organically, following the innate behaviour of the living organism, as guided by tailored parameters.

As opposed to traditional manufacturing processes, growing Ephea® is therefore consistently more energy-efficient, low-waste, and inherently circular—offering a radically sustainable alternative to extractive industrial production. Hence, cultivation and growth replace the notion of manufacturing, to align with nature’s logic—where materials are not built but grown with purpose.

Q: What do we mean by “raw material”?

A: When we speak of raw material in the context of Ephea®, we refer to the material after its full growth and drying process—structurally stable, untouched by finishes or treatments, and ready to be transformed. We simply call the raw material “Ephea® Raw” — the material in its most essential, purest, and unrefined form.

It is naturally white, as distinctive feature of its origin. Its surface is smooth and delicate, reminiscent of the cap of a freshly emerged mushroom, with soft, flowing, and irregular lines that reflect the quiet complexity of nature.

This raw form of Ephea® captures the authentic essence of its being: not a finished product, but a versatile foundation—ready to evolve through craftsmanship, design, and innovation.

Q: What is Natural Tanning?

A: Vegetable tanning is a traditional method that uses plant-based tannins—natural polyphenols found in wood, bark, roots, leaves, and fruits—to transform raw animal hides into compact, durable, and breathable materials. Along the process, hides are immersed in rotating drums with water and powdered tannins. The tannins penetrate the skin, binding with collagen fibers and stabilizing the structure without the use of additional toxic compounds, such as heavy metals. This gives leather strength, longevity, and a rich, natural character.
Ephea®, however, follows a different path. Derived from mycelium, it is naturally stable and does not require tanning to prevent decay. Instead, it undergoes a wet processing phase akin to natural re-tanning, applied to the raw material—Ephea® Raw, the organic material in its essential and untreated form. Such process implements vegetable tannins, not to preserve, but to refine: enhancing body, density, softness, mechanical resistance, and surface richness.
Inspired by the principles of vegetable tanning, this treatment is metal-free and rooted in plant chemistry, but reinterpreted for a biofabricated, fungal-based material—marking a new chapter in sustainable material innovation.

Q: What is Ephea®?

A: Ephea® is both our brand and the proprietary name of the most advanced next-generation material family derived from mycelium. As a brand, we have pioneered an entirely new category of biomaterials. Our daily commitment lies in advancing the boundaries of material science through continuous R&D, exploring the nature of the processes leading to the genesis and evolution of our raw materials, as well as novel surface treatments, color systems, textural finishes, and production methods that enhance Ephea®’s performance, its aesthetic versatility, and its environmental integrity. Engineered for high-end design purposes and functional durability, Ephea® bridges biotechnology and craftsmanship. It offers an innovative, scalable alternative to traditional materials, meeting the rigorous expectations of industries that demand both excellence in quality and genuine sustainability. In short, Ephea® stands at the intersection of scientific research, design intelligence, aesthetic refinement, and high-performance engineering.

Much like the mycelium it originates from, Ephea® is all about connections: between brands and users, people and planet, present and the only viable future – one rooted in a deep understanding and factual recognition of the entangled relations we are all immersed in.

Q: Who is behind Ephea®?

A: Ephea® is developed by SQIM, a bio-technology company focused on creating sustainable bio-materials, with a particular emphasis on mycelium-based innovations.

Ephea® is the culmination of years of exploration into how materials can be reimagined—moving away from extraction and toward symbiosis, starting from the everyday products that shape our lives.

Stemming from the meaningful encounter between visionary design and cutting-edge biotech, Ephea® stands for a new generation of materials: ethical, regenerative, and radically innovative.

Q: Where does Ephea® produce its next-generation materials?

A: Ephea® is proudly produced in Italy, in the province of Varese, more specifically in Inarzo—near the Brabbia Marsh, a protected wetland with a uniquely rich ecosystem. This environment is more than just our location; it’s an integral part of our identity.

Our mycelium strain is native to this region, creating a deep-rooted connection between our materials and the land from which they originate. Production takes place in Italy, from the fungal culture and lab operations to the growing rooms where Ephea® takes shape and substance.

Ephea® is 100% Made in Italy—by nature, by design, and by choice.

Q: Why is sustainability important to Ephea®?

A: Because it’s in our nature. Quite literally. Born from mycelium, Ephea® is the result of working with nature, not against it. We don’t exploit natural resources—on the contrary, we collaborate with nature’s intelligence to create materials that are regenerative, responsible, and radically innovative. Sustainability isn’t a strategy. It’s who we are.

We firmly believe that the only viable future is one where humanity protects instead of exploiting, grows instead of extracting, repairs instead of destroying. The future can only exist if we act in the present. And that time is now. Ephea® is rooted in a deep appreciation for our origin. And that’s why Ephea® is here to stay.

Q: What sets Ephea® apart from other brands?

A: Ephea® is not just a material—it’s a new way of thinking. Unlike conventional brands, we don’t mimic nature; we partner with it. Our materials are grown—born from mycelium and shaped through sustainable science, innovative design, and a generous pinch of ingenuity.

Proudly 100% Made in Italy, Ephea® merges advanced biotechnology with the timeless traditions of craftsmanship to create high-performance, low-impact alternatives.

What sets us apart is our ability to transform the skilful agency of living systems into elegant, responsible solutions—redefining what everyday materials can be, or better manifesting what they already

Q: How is Ephea® made?

A: Ephea® is produced through the controlled growth of mycelium on 100% plant-based substrates, within bespoke bioreactors. Once the mycelium has fully colonised the substrate – thus transforming it in its very body, namely fungal biomass – the organic material is harvested and dried to halt further biological activity. This results in Ephea® in its raw form. Subsequent physical and chemical treatments—such as re-tanning—are applied to tailor Ephea®’s sensory and technical properties, giving rise to specific variants such as Ephea® Willow, Ephea® Monstera, and Ephea® Magnolia.

Q: What is Ephea® made of?

A: Ephea® — raw material — is made from 100% pure mycelium, which is cultivated on a fully plant-based substrate. Along growth, the mycelium digests this substrate—composed of plant biomass derived from photosynthesis, in which sugars and inorganic nutrients are assembled into complex organic molecules. Through its metabolic activity, the fungus breaks down these plant-built structures into simpler compounds, which are then reassembled into fungal biomass. This natural bioconversion process results in a material that is entirely fungal in its composition.

Q: Where and how is Ephea® grown?

A: Ephea® is entirely produced in Italy, specifically in the province of Varese. Its cultivation follows a vertical farming model, a highly sustainable method that significantly reduces land use by optimising space and maximising yields, with a limited footprint.

The mycelium grows in static conditions inside special bioractor trays, which define the shape and planar dimensions of each Ephea® mat. These trays are arranged on vertical racks within dedicated growing rooms—clean, climate-controlled environments where temperature, humidity, airflow, and multiple other parameters are precisely regulated to ensure optimal growth conditions.

This vertical system not only maximizes spatial efficiency but also minimizes the environmental footprint of production, aligning with sustainable development principles to deliver fully quantified benefits.

Q: Does Ephea® cause allergies?

A: Absolutely not. Despite the fact that Ephea® is derived from a natural source, our products are not biologically active. Additionally, the fungal strain we employ is completely harmless and poses no risk of allergies. Particualry, following its growth, our mycelium is rendered fully inert through a bespoke heat treatment, and it then further transformed in distinctive articles, which have been tested for allergies and validated accordingly.

Q: Does Ephea® continue to grow once used in products?

A: No, it does not. Even if Ephea® is materials derived from a naturally grown organism, once it has reached full maturity its growth is intentionally halted by means of a drying process at low temperatures.

Subsequently, the raw materials undergo specific treatments to enhance their mechanical properties and elevate their aesthetic appeal, to deliver fully stable, high-quality, durable products.

Q: Is Ephea® cruelty-free?

A: Absolutely YES. Ephea® is entirely fungal in origin—grown from mycelium that grows by feeding on plant-based substrates. At the end of its growth cycle, the materials are gently deactivated through a controlled drying process.

No animals or animal-derived products are involved along the process. Ephea® is proof that high-performance, high-quality materials can be created without compromise—and without animal-related cruelty.

Q: Is Ephea® vegan?

A: Yes, if we define “vegan” as free from any animal-derived ingredients, Ephea® is indeed entirely vegan. The fungal mycelium employed to produce Ephea® grows by feeding on fully plant-based substrates. However, it’s important to note that mycelium belongs to the kingdom Fungi —a rather distinct biological group that is neither animal nor plant.

Q: Is Ephea® a living material?

A: Ephea® is a living material along its growth phase, within our production process. Once it reaches the desired stage of development, its biological activity is halted through controlled processing, making it stable and suitable for long-term use.

Q: Where can I experience Ephea®?

A: You can discover Ephea® at selected trade shows and industry events, or by scheduling a dedicated appointment at our showroom in Inarzo (VA) – Italy.

If you’re unable to visit us in person or would like to explore the material more directly, feel free to contact us. We’ll be happy to evaluate the possibility of sending tailored samples, specifically prepared for the purpose of your inquiry.

Q: Where can I buy Ephea®?

A: At this moment, Ephea® is exclusively available through our official channels. As the sole producers and distributors, we ensure full control over quality, traceability, and innovation at every stage of the process. If you are not already in direct contact with an Ephea® representative, we invite you to reach out to us at contact@ephea.bio. Our team will be pleased to assist you with your order and provide any support you may need.

Q: Do you have Minimum Order Quantities?

A: There are no minimum order quantities required. Please get in touch with us to gather more information through a direct exchange.

Q: How does shipping work?

A: We provide global shipping services. Shipping costs and delivery times are determined based on the destination and order volume. At the time of order, we will provide a detailed quote for both shipping costs and estimated delivery timelines. Our team is fully equipped to manage and coordinate the entire shipping process, ensuring a seamless and efficient delivery experience.

Q: How can I order samples?

A: If you are interested in experiencing Ephea® firsthand, we invite you to contact us directly. Our dedicated team will be happy to provide all the necessary information regarding sample requests or to arrange an in-person meeting.