Naturally Genius™
Newsroom
Looking for our latest press release? Interested in featuring Naturally Genius™ in your next news story? Or perhaps you’d like to explore where we’ve already made headlines? You’re in the right place, scroll down to discover more!
Company Overview
Naturally Genius™ (formerly Mushroom Material) is commercialising mycelium based mushroom packaging as a high-performance, home-compostable alternative to conventional plastic foam. We supply mushroom packaging material and finished packaging solutions to businesses globally, with offices in Auckland, New Zealand and Singapore.
Latest Press release
Have you heard the latest? Our team is unstoppable when it comes to innovation, they’re true go-getters! Check out our recent press releases to see what we’ve been up to.
Mushroom Material has rebranded as Naturally Genius™
Same team, same technology, same mission. We’ve outgrown the old name.
Previous press releases
Featured News Articles & Awards
Naturally Genius on TVNZ Breakfast:
Growing a Better Alternative to Polystyrene Packaging
Challengers' Expo Auckland 2026
We’re one of 24 NZ startups selected to challenge the status quo
Energy Tech Summit Asia 2026
Our CEO invited to present to Asia's climate tech leaders
US$5 million seed round
Mushroom Material bags US$5m seed round for fungi-based STYROFOAM™ alternative
100 Days Of Startups
Thank you Mayor Wayne Brown for putting a spotlight on Mushroom Material.
NZ Foreign Affairs & Trade
NZ-Singapore business harnesses mushroom power to replace EPS
2026 Earthshot Prize Nomination
Mushroom Material nominated for world's top eco prize.
Cleantech Forum Asia 2026 Panelist
Join us in Singapore, 20-21 May 2026, to watch our panel discussion
NZs first expo for “Cleantech” businesses
Mushroom Material on display at Cleantech Expo, 22 April
Panel Discussion: Scaling Through the Valley
Watch our panel discussion at BIO Innovations APAC
JEC World 2026 Paris
Join us in Paris, 10 to 12 March, shaping future materials
Phil Crawford | NZ Business
New packaging product that grows in the dark
Miriam Bell | The Post
Mushroom material creates sustainable packaging solution
Mushroom Material Crowned The Next Big Thing
Mushroom Material was named Next Big Thing at the 2025 SBN Awards
Auckland’s Cleantech Sector
Looking for new technologies to solve environmental challenges - watch video
Mushroom Material Showcased at SWITCH
Enterprise Singapore invited Mushroom Material to exhibit at SWITCH
Janette Kunz | Tech Round
Named as one of the Top 9 Sustainability Startups in New Zealand
Mushroom Material Named to the Next List
Recognised by the Sustainable Business Network as a finalist
Climatopia Startup Spotlight
Climatopia sat down with our CEO, Shaun Seaman to discuss sustainable packaging
The Future of packaging
CEO Seaman showcased compostable packaging at Singapore Cleantech forum
Right Business | Hongbin Jeong
No room for plastic, but much room for innovation
The Tech Business Podcast
We discuss transforming agricultural waste into eco-friendly packaging with Paul Essery
ASB CleanTech Trek (USA & Europe)
Mushroom Material is proud to be a part of the Clean Tech Mission
Callaghan Innovations Up and coming companies
Mushroom Material’s approach sets a new standard for sustainable packaging
2024 Cleantech 50 to Watch Announced
Anthony DeOrsey lists Mushroom Material as one to watch
Fiona Rotherham | NBR
Three Kiwi cleantech startups make global top 50 to watch
Deepshikha Monga | Deal Street Asia
Mushroom Material In Focus
Startup Rise | Asia Pacific
An issue sparked an Idea, Leading to a Successive Startup
Technode Global
SEEDS Capital back Mushroom Material in US$5M seed funding
Nurin Sofia | Techedt
Mushroom Material raises over US$5 million
KrASIA | Deals in brief
Material secures funding to produce fungi-based Styrofoam™ alternative
Jan Arreza | PKN Packaging News
Fungi-based styrofoam start-up secures NZ$8.5m
Greg Hurrell | Business Desk
“Mushroom Material's $8.5m raise could make polystyrene obsolete”
Fiona Rotherham | NBR
The startup has developed a fungi-based material as an alternative to expanded polystyrene
Radio NZ | Nine to Noon
Could fungi provide a solution to plastic packaging waste?
Climate Impact Innovations Challenge
Mushroom Material Finalist in Climate Impact Innovations Challenge
Dana Leigh | Tech Round
10 Startups In New Zealand To Keep an Eye On
Mushroom Material Named JEC Startup Booster Finalist
Selected among 20 global innovators to pitch at JEC World 2024
AGRI-TECH INNOVATOR Award Winner
NEC Innovation Challenge 2023, Kawasaki City winner
2Degrees Auckland Business Awards
Excellence in Sustainability Award Finalist
STYROFOAM™ is a trademark owned by DDP SPECIALTY ELECTRONIC MATERIALS US, LLC