In past eras, sustainability took a back seat due to a lack of information and awareness. Today, however, it has become a crucial aspect of any business plan, ingrained in day-to-day operations. MycoMalta embraces sustainability in all facets of its activities.
Our commitment to sustainable practices commences with responsible wood sourcing. Wood is either procured from sustainably managed forests (FSC certified) or sourced from timber industry waste. This ensures that our substrate production does not contribute to unnecessary deforestation and does not deplete virgin wild forests. Regrettably, the availability of this resource locally is limited. When available, local wood lacks the necessary purity and grading required for our stringent quality requirements.
Additives to our raw substrate consist of by-products from quarrying, food production, or other natural origins. We exclusively use them in their most basic, natural forms and prefer local sources whenever possible. Rainwater, a precious resource, is captured, stored underground, and utilized throughout the year, drastically reducing our dependence on external water sources. Our contained production methods not only minimize water usage but also eliminate the need for chemicals in the washing process. At MycoMalta we refrain from draining chemically tainted water altogether.
Energy consumption is directed solely towards treating substrates and cultivating cultures. We mitigate this by exclusively growing mushroom varieties adapted to the local climate and only during their respective seasons. Recognizing transportation as a major contributor to CO2 emissions, we prioritize the purchase of local raw materials whenever possible. Deliveries are strategically scheduled during off-peak hours, such as Sundays or after office hours, to curtail fuel consumption during peak traffic times.
In our pursuit of sustainability, minimizing packaging waste has become a key focus. We prioritize functionality over aesthetics, avoiding unnecessary plastic usage whenever feasible. However, our most significant sustainability challenge lies in eliminating plastic filtered bags. While biodegradable alternatives exist in the market, their adoption would significantly impact the selling price of our mushroom kit.