THE NEWEST INGREDIENT IN SUNSCREEN …
MUSHROOMS?
Researchers are constantly working on ways to create a sustainable industry. The newest work from researchers in Adelaide is certainly an unusual one. They are currently looking at ways of turning mushroom waste in to sunscreen.
Mushroom waste is classed as the stalk, the mushroom is twisted from the bed and the stalk is cut. According to Mushrooms SA’s general manager, Nick Femia, 3-4 tones of mushroom waste is produced every week. Putting this waste to use could save the business tens of thousands of dollars a year.
Vincent Burke from the University of Adelaide’s Waite Campus explains the process.
“We have combined two main molecules, a polymer, that we extract from the mushroom, and then a small molecule that blocks UV radiation.”
These molecules are then turned into a transparent film.
And before you worry about smelling like a mushroom, the molecules are first purified to remove any smell.
The idea behind this new research is to substitute the artificial compound currently used in sunscreen with natural compounds from mushrooms.
This will benefit both the farmer and the industry.
Farmers can reduce their costs, by not having to pay for waste removal, and the industry can become sustainable. A win-win situation.
Exciting and certainly very interesting times for the mushroom industry.
Bronwyn Reid | 4t Consultants
17 June 2020