Shaping a circular industrial ecosystem and supporting life-cycle thinking
Urban Bloom
Urban Bloom: From by-products to biodiversity
Urban Bloom transforms waste into a resource by developing biodegradable mycelium-based packaging embedded with pollinator-friendly plant seeds to regenerate urban ecosystems. By using agricultural by-products and invasive plants, it replaces plastic, reduces waste, and restores biodiversity. More than just packaging, Urban Bloom integrates nature, science, and circular economy principles to create greener, more sustainable cities.
Slovenia
Regional
Central Slovenia
It addresses urban-rural linkages
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
Early concept
No
No
As an individual
Urban Bloom is an innovative project that redefines packaging through biotechnology and circular economy principles. By utilising mycelium-based biocomposites, the project transforms agricultural by-products and invasive plant biomass into fully biodegradable packaging that actively supports biodiversity. Some packaging formats will be reusable (e.g., crates for fruit and vegetables that can later serve as containers for urban gardening), while others will contain pollinator-friendly plant seeds that can regenerate ecosystems after disposal. The project aims to replace conventional single-use packaging with biodegradable solutions, reduce waste pollution and close the material loop. It promotes a circular industrial model in which agricultural waste becomes a resource that supports biodiversity and urban greening.
Key target groups include sustainable retailers and food producers looking for environmentally friendly packaging alternatives, farmers who can benefit from reusable crates for marketing their produce, urban communities and gardening enthusiasts who can use the packaging as planting modules, and educational institutions raising awareness of the circular economy. To achieve its goals, Urban Bloom focuses on the development and prototyping of mycelium-based biodegradable packaging, including reusable crates and packaging in which seeds are embedded. The project builds partnerships with local farms and biomass suppliers to create a stable supply chain, conducts pilot commercialisation, promotes urban biodiversity through the introduction of packaging that transforms into pollinator-friendly plants, and introduces an educational platform integrated with QR codes on the packaging. In addition, an educational garden will be created to demonstrate in practise how biodegradable packaging contributes to the greening of cities and the regeneration of the ecosystem.
Urban Bloom is not just an alternative to plastic packaging — it is a holistic, regener
Key target groups include sustainable retailers and food producers looking for environmentally friendly packaging alternatives, farmers who can benefit from reusable crates for marketing their produce, urban communities and gardening enthusiasts who can use the packaging as planting modules, and educational institutions raising awareness of the circular economy. To achieve its goals, Urban Bloom focuses on the development and prototyping of mycelium-based biodegradable packaging, including reusable crates and packaging in which seeds are embedded. The project builds partnerships with local farms and biomass suppliers to create a stable supply chain, conducts pilot commercialisation, promotes urban biodiversity through the introduction of packaging that transforms into pollinator-friendly plants, and introduces an educational platform integrated with QR codes on the packaging. In addition, an educational garden will be created to demonstrate in practise how biodegradable packaging contributes to the greening of cities and the regeneration of the ecosystem.
Urban Bloom is not just an alternative to plastic packaging — it is a holistic, regener
Packaging
Biodegradability
Biodiversity
Regenerative design
Sustainability
The Urban Bloom project promotes sustainability by integrating the principles of circular economy, biotechnology and ecological regeneration into packaging. The main goal is to replace conventional single-use packaging with biodegradable, regenerative alternatives made from mycelium-based biocomposites. These materials transform agricultural by-products and invasive plant biomass into functional packaging solutions that actively support biodiversity.
The impact of the project goes beyond waste reduction. Some packaging formats are reusable, such as biodegradable crates for transporting fresh produce, that can later be reused as containers for urban gardening. Other packaging contains pollinator-friendly plant seeds that can be used for urban greening if desired. Once disposed of, they enrich the soil with organic matter and nutrients while providing important food sources for pollinators, directly benefiting biodiversity.
Urban Bloom promotes a fully circular production model by extracting the raw materials from agricultural and food industry waste. Unlike synthetic packaging that ends up in landfills or incinerators, this material returns to the natural cycle through composting, and reducing dependence on synthetic fertilisers. By using renewable raw materials such as straw, corn stalks and sawdust, Urban Bloom further reduces CO₂ emissions compared to conventional packaging materials.
The project's holistic approach to sustainability combines material innovation, stakeholder collaboration and environmental education. Partnerships with biomass suppliers ensure a stable flow of resources, while an educational platform and demonstration garden raise public awareness of sustainable practises. By engaging retailers, food producers, urban communities and educational institutions, project promotes a collaborative transition to a circular economy.
By transforming waste into a regenerative resource, Urban Bloom is setting a new standard for sustainable packaging.
The impact of the project goes beyond waste reduction. Some packaging formats are reusable, such as biodegradable crates for transporting fresh produce, that can later be reused as containers for urban gardening. Other packaging contains pollinator-friendly plant seeds that can be used for urban greening if desired. Once disposed of, they enrich the soil with organic matter and nutrients while providing important food sources for pollinators, directly benefiting biodiversity.
Urban Bloom promotes a fully circular production model by extracting the raw materials from agricultural and food industry waste. Unlike synthetic packaging that ends up in landfills or incinerators, this material returns to the natural cycle through composting, and reducing dependence on synthetic fertilisers. By using renewable raw materials such as straw, corn stalks and sawdust, Urban Bloom further reduces CO₂ emissions compared to conventional packaging materials.
The project's holistic approach to sustainability combines material innovation, stakeholder collaboration and environmental education. Partnerships with biomass suppliers ensure a stable flow of resources, while an educational platform and demonstration garden raise public awareness of sustainable practises. By engaging retailers, food producers, urban communities and educational institutions, project promotes a collaborative transition to a circular economy.
By transforming waste into a regenerative resource, Urban Bloom is setting a new standard for sustainable packaging.
The Urban Bloom project goes beyond pure product functionality — it creates a meaningful interaction between people and nature. After use, the packaging does not become waste, but is transformed into a living part of the urban ecosystem, allowing users to actively participate in the regeneration of the environment. This simple but profound concept brings natural elements back into cities and strengthens the emotional connection between urban dwellers and nature.
The aesthetically pleasing packaging encourages the growth of vibrant, pollinator-friendly plants and makes urban spaces greener and more inviting. Research confirms that the presence of flowers and greenery reduces stress, improves mood and enhances overall well-being. The gentle movements of pollinators, the delicate scents of blooming flowers and the dynamic transformation of packaging into greenery create an engaging, sensory experience. In this way, Urban Bloom transcends its role as packaging and becomes an element of urban design that reinforces a sense of belonging to the environment and promotes cultural appreciation of biodiversity.
To further enhance the educational and experiential impact of the project, there will be a demonstration garden near an educational facility where visitors can observe the process of urban gardening, composting packaging and growing plants from embedded seeds. This interactive space will serve as a learning centre for children, students and the general public, offering hands-on experience with sustainability, circular economy and ecosystem restoration.
By seamlessly integrating design, functionality and cultural appreciation, Urban Bloom illustrates how sustainability can be visually engaging, interactive and enriching. It transforms packaging into a tool for urban greening, biodiversity restoration and environmental education, proving that sustainability is not only practical but also beautiful.
The aesthetically pleasing packaging encourages the growth of vibrant, pollinator-friendly plants and makes urban spaces greener and more inviting. Research confirms that the presence of flowers and greenery reduces stress, improves mood and enhances overall well-being. The gentle movements of pollinators, the delicate scents of blooming flowers and the dynamic transformation of packaging into greenery create an engaging, sensory experience. In this way, Urban Bloom transcends its role as packaging and becomes an element of urban design that reinforces a sense of belonging to the environment and promotes cultural appreciation of biodiversity.
To further enhance the educational and experiential impact of the project, there will be a demonstration garden near an educational facility where visitors can observe the process of urban gardening, composting packaging and growing plants from embedded seeds. This interactive space will serve as a learning centre for children, students and the general public, offering hands-on experience with sustainability, circular economy and ecosystem restoration.
By seamlessly integrating design, functionality and cultural appreciation, Urban Bloom illustrates how sustainability can be visually engaging, interactive and enriching. It transforms packaging into a tool for urban greening, biodiversity restoration and environmental education, proving that sustainability is not only practical but also beautiful.
Each package will feature a QR code linking to an educational platform that raises awareness and fosters community engagement in sustainability. The platform encourages critical thinking, innovation, and collaboration, emphasizing that essential resources are within reach if used wisely. It also facilitates knowledge exchange, allowing users to share urban gardening experiences, explore product reuse, and contribute to improving sustainable practices.
Sourced from Slovenian farmers, the packaging returns to the soil after use, reinforcing the local circular economy. The project highlights the importance of self-sufficiency and empowers individuals to contribute to a more sustainable environment. By fostering resilient, greener cities, Urban Bloom unites communities under a shared vision of sustainability.
Urban Bloom is more than just packaging—it is a tool for creating connected, eco-conscious cities where every resident plays a role in environmental regeneration. The project ensures access to sustainable packaging for all users, regardless of economic or social status. As part of the purchased product, it allows environmentally conscious companies to adopt biodegradable secondary packaging, ensuring sustainability reaches the consumer without additional choices or financial burdens.
The project also fosters collaboration among stakeholders. Farmers and biomass suppliers contribute agricultural by-products as raw materials, integrating sustainability into production. This cooperation model links individuals, businesses, and producers in a circular system, ensuring that every participant plays a key role in shaping a healthier, more sustainable future. It is not just about packaging but about building a comprehensive system in which every stakeholder contributes to long-term environmental impact.
Sourced from Slovenian farmers, the packaging returns to the soil after use, reinforcing the local circular economy. The project highlights the importance of self-sufficiency and empowers individuals to contribute to a more sustainable environment. By fostering resilient, greener cities, Urban Bloom unites communities under a shared vision of sustainability.
Urban Bloom is more than just packaging—it is a tool for creating connected, eco-conscious cities where every resident plays a role in environmental regeneration. The project ensures access to sustainable packaging for all users, regardless of economic or social status. As part of the purchased product, it allows environmentally conscious companies to adopt biodegradable secondary packaging, ensuring sustainability reaches the consumer without additional choices or financial burdens.
The project also fosters collaboration among stakeholders. Farmers and biomass suppliers contribute agricultural by-products as raw materials, integrating sustainability into production. This cooperation model links individuals, businesses, and producers in a circular system, ensuring that every participant plays a key role in shaping a healthier, more sustainable future. It is not just about packaging but about building a comprehensive system in which every stakeholder contributes to long-term environmental impact.
Urban Bloom actively involves citizens and civil society through a participatory approach that enables individuals to effortlessly engage in sustainability. The project includes an information and education platform accessible via QR codes on each package, providing users with resources on urban gardening, pollinators, sustainable materials and circular economy. This ensures that people are not only informed about environmental issues, but also encouraged to take active steps towards sustainable living.
In addition to education, the project also offers people the opportunity to take action themselves. Citizens can choose to reuse packaging for urban greening or compost it to help restore biodiversity. Biodegradable crates for transporting fresh produce can be repurposed as urban gardening containers, allowing citizens to grow their own food or pollinator-friendly plants on urban terraces. Packaging embedded with seeds allows citizens to participate in local efforts to re-green the urban and support pollinators.
A demonstration garden near an educational facility will further engage communities by showing how sustainable packaging can be integrated into urban ecosystems. This site will serve as an interactive learning space for children, students and the general public, promoting a culture of sustainability, biodiversity conservation and urban self-sufficiency.
This inclusive approach ensures that all citizens can participate, regardless of their financial or technical knowledge. By removing cost barriers - as the packaging is integrated into everyday purchases - every consumer unwittingly contributes to sustainability and makes green practises accessible to all. In the long term, the project strengthens food self-sufficiency and raises public awareness of environmental issues in a practical, engaging and inclusive way.
In addition to education, the project also offers people the opportunity to take action themselves. Citizens can choose to reuse packaging for urban greening or compost it to help restore biodiversity. Biodegradable crates for transporting fresh produce can be repurposed as urban gardening containers, allowing citizens to grow their own food or pollinator-friendly plants on urban terraces. Packaging embedded with seeds allows citizens to participate in local efforts to re-green the urban and support pollinators.
A demonstration garden near an educational facility will further engage communities by showing how sustainable packaging can be integrated into urban ecosystems. This site will serve as an interactive learning space for children, students and the general public, promoting a culture of sustainability, biodiversity conservation and urban self-sufficiency.
This inclusive approach ensures that all citizens can participate, regardless of their financial or technical knowledge. By removing cost barriers - as the packaging is integrated into everyday purchases - every consumer unwittingly contributes to sustainability and makes green practises accessible to all. In the long term, the project strengthens food self-sufficiency and raises public awareness of environmental issues in a practical, engaging and inclusive way.
The relationships between these stakeholders are structured to ensure a circular model of knowledge sharing, material sourcing, research collaboration, and community engagement.Key research institutions, including the Biotechnical Faculty of the University of Ljubljana and the Institute of Applied Mycology and Biotechnology, are providing scientific expertise by developing, testing and optimising mycelium-based packaging materials. Their research ensures that the materials are biodegradable, structurally sound and effective in seed germination, making them suitable for regenerative environmental applications. This interdisciplinary collaboration between biologists, agronomists and material scientists is fundamental to the further development of innovations. Local farmers and biomass processors actively optimize resources and adapt agriculture for better material use. This waste-to-resource approach strengthens economic sustainability and promotes environmentally responsible land use, which supports the long-term viability of the project.
Sustainable businesses, food producers and urban gardening communities are the end users of Urban Bloom packaging. The reusable crates provide growers with environmentally friendly reusable alternatives for distributing their produce and reduce dependence on single-use packaging. Urban gardeners and consumers use the packaging as planters or composting material, extending the functional life cycle and integrating sustainability into daily practise.
The project also emphasises grassroots engagement and ensures that civil society plays an active role. Through an educational platform and a demonstration garden, citizens gain practical knowledge about pollinators, composting and the circular economy. This approach ensures that Urban Bloom is not just an industry-driven initiative, but a community-led movement.
Sustainable businesses, food producers and urban gardening communities are the end users of Urban Bloom packaging. The reusable crates provide growers with environmentally friendly reusable alternatives for distributing their produce and reduce dependence on single-use packaging. Urban gardeners and consumers use the packaging as planters or composting material, extending the functional life cycle and integrating sustainability into daily practise.
The project also emphasises grassroots engagement and ensures that civil society plays an active role. Through an educational platform and a demonstration garden, citizens gain practical knowledge about pollinators, composting and the circular economy. This approach ensures that Urban Bloom is not just an industry-driven initiative, but a community-led movement.
The project is based on the interdisciplinary collaboration of experts from the fields of biotechnology, mycology, agronomy, materials science, commercialization and digitalization. The main challenge in the development of mycelium-based biocomposites is the optimisation of the biological and physical properties of the packaging, which requires a precise integration of different scientific disciplines.
Agronomic expertise plays a crucial role in understanding the properties of the input biomass, as it determines the nutrient composition, chemical properties and structural integrity of the organic residues that serve as raw material for mycelium growth. Each organic material requires mycological expertise to optimize fungal strains for efficient material production. This interaction between the starting material and the specific fungal strain directly influences the mechanical and structural properties of the final packaging material.
In addition, the selection and optimization of the plant species that are integrated play a decisive role. Selecting ecologically adapted species maximizes pollinator benefits and ensures stable seed fixation for successful urban growth. Mycological optimization enhances material structure, stabilizes seeds, and supports plant growth.
To achieve the desired properties of the packaging material, collaboration with materials science experts is essential. They analyse and optimise the final physical properties of the packaging, including moisture resistance, flexibility, durability and biodegradability. This means that the final product is not just the result of a single field of science, but rather a complex interplay of knowledge and optimisation processes, with each discipline contributes a crucial element to the overall functionality of the material. However, at this phase, the project does not yet include the social sciences or a broader transdisciplinary perspective.
Agronomic expertise plays a crucial role in understanding the properties of the input biomass, as it determines the nutrient composition, chemical properties and structural integrity of the organic residues that serve as raw material for mycelium growth. Each organic material requires mycological expertise to optimize fungal strains for efficient material production. This interaction between the starting material and the specific fungal strain directly influences the mechanical and structural properties of the final packaging material.
In addition, the selection and optimization of the plant species that are integrated play a decisive role. Selecting ecologically adapted species maximizes pollinator benefits and ensures stable seed fixation for successful urban growth. Mycological optimization enhances material structure, stabilizes seeds, and supports plant growth.
To achieve the desired properties of the packaging material, collaboration with materials science experts is essential. They analyse and optimise the final physical properties of the packaging, including moisture resistance, flexibility, durability and biodegradability. This means that the final product is not just the result of a single field of science, but rather a complex interplay of knowledge and optimisation processes, with each discipline contributes a crucial element to the overall functionality of the material. However, at this phase, the project does not yet include the social sciences or a broader transdisciplinary perspective.
Urban Bloom incorporates a nature-inspired design into its production process that mimics the natural process of producing biodegradable packaging. The manufacturing process utilises fungi whose mycelium combines agricultural by-products and invasive plant biomass to create a durable yet compostable biocomposite. Just as organic material naturally decomposes and enriches the soil. Packaging follows the same ecological principle —it first fulfils a functional purpose and then decomposing into nutrient-rich material that supports plant growth and biodiversity.
An important innovation is the packaging material itself. The added value lies in the dual usability of the packaging. Reusable crates for fresh produce can later be reused as growing containers in urban gardens, extending their life cycle. Smaller packaging embedded with seeds nurtures pollinator-friendly plants when discarded, cen be used for supporting urban greening and pollinator conservation. This is in contrast to typical outer packaging, which is environmentally problematic to dispose of.
Urban Bloom also integrates invasive plant biomass into material production, transforming an ecological problem into a sustainable resource — an approach rarely seen in packaging design. By reusing agricultural waste and invasive species, the project reduces dependence on conventional raw materials and thus further closes the material cycle.
In addition, Urban Bloom introduces a participatory element that is not common in the traditional packaging industry. Through an educational platform and demonstration gardens, it engages communities, businesses and institutions and encourages citizens to actively participate in urban gardening, waste reduction and biodiversity conservation.
By combining sustainability with functionality, education and participation, the project redefines packaging as a tool for positive ecological change and not just as a disposable item.
An important innovation is the packaging material itself. The added value lies in the dual usability of the packaging. Reusable crates for fresh produce can later be reused as growing containers in urban gardens, extending their life cycle. Smaller packaging embedded with seeds nurtures pollinator-friendly plants when discarded, cen be used for supporting urban greening and pollinator conservation. This is in contrast to typical outer packaging, which is environmentally problematic to dispose of.
Urban Bloom also integrates invasive plant biomass into material production, transforming an ecological problem into a sustainable resource — an approach rarely seen in packaging design. By reusing agricultural waste and invasive species, the project reduces dependence on conventional raw materials and thus further closes the material cycle.
In addition, Urban Bloom introduces a participatory element that is not common in the traditional packaging industry. Through an educational platform and demonstration gardens, it engages communities, businesses and institutions and encourages citizens to actively participate in urban gardening, waste reduction and biodiversity conservation.
By combining sustainability with functionality, education and participation, the project redefines packaging as a tool for positive ecological change and not just as a disposable item.
The Urban Bloom project pursues a science-based, circular and participatory methodology to develop biodegradable, regenerative packaging. Its approach combines biotechnology, material science and circular economy principles to create innovative packaging solutions that actively contribute to environmental sustainability.
The research-based methodology focuses on the development and optimisation of mycelium-based packaging through research on fungal strains, substrate composition and seed viability. The project refers to a production process that mimics the natural process. Instead of accumulating waste, the packaging is broken down naturally into nutrient-rich compost, closing the material cycle.
The project is based on a circular economy in which agricultural by-products and biomass from invasive plants are converted into sustainable packaging materials. The packaging is designed for either reuse or regeneration - the crates for fresh produce serve as modular garden units before being composted, while the packaging in which seeds are embedded actively supports urban greening and pollinators.
Urban Bloom takes a collaborative approach, involving local farmers, research organisations and businesses in the development and testing of packaging solutions. The farmers provide the raw materials and benefit from the reusable crates, while the research institutes contribute their expertise on biodegradability and material properties. An educational platform integrated into the QR code and a demonstration garden ensure a broad dissemination of knowledge and enable consumers and communities to actively participate in sustainability initiatives.
The development process includes prototyping, testing and stakeholder feedback to improve material durability, biodegradability and ease of use. The methodology ensures that Urban Bloom is not just an alternative to plastic, but a transformative model for bio-based packaging that integrates seamlessly into urban ecosystems.
The research-based methodology focuses on the development and optimisation of mycelium-based packaging through research on fungal strains, substrate composition and seed viability. The project refers to a production process that mimics the natural process. Instead of accumulating waste, the packaging is broken down naturally into nutrient-rich compost, closing the material cycle.
The project is based on a circular economy in which agricultural by-products and biomass from invasive plants are converted into sustainable packaging materials. The packaging is designed for either reuse or regeneration - the crates for fresh produce serve as modular garden units before being composted, while the packaging in which seeds are embedded actively supports urban greening and pollinators.
Urban Bloom takes a collaborative approach, involving local farmers, research organisations and businesses in the development and testing of packaging solutions. The farmers provide the raw materials and benefit from the reusable crates, while the research institutes contribute their expertise on biodegradability and material properties. An educational platform integrated into the QR code and a demonstration garden ensure a broad dissemination of knowledge and enable consumers and communities to actively participate in sustainability initiatives.
The development process includes prototyping, testing and stakeholder feedback to improve material durability, biodegradability and ease of use. The methodology ensures that Urban Bloom is not just an alternative to plastic, but a transformative model for bio-based packaging that integrates seamlessly into urban ecosystems.
The production process for biodegradable packaging can be replicated in various industries, from food packaging to building materials. The modular crate concept, designed for reuse before biodegradation, can be customised for different markets in agriculture and retail. The packaging shapes and properties can be customised to specific packaging requirements and adapted to local ecosystems by selecting regionally appropriate seeds.
Urban Bloom’s circular sourcing strategy, which converts agricultural by-products and invasive plant biomass into a raw material, can be replicated in other regions by utilising locally available organic biomass. This model supports local farmers, waste processors and businesses, reducing agricultural waste while creating valuable, environmentally friendly materials.
The educational and participatory elements, such as the QR code platform and the urban demonstration gardens, provide an adaptable framework for knowledge sharing and citizen engagement. Schools, urban gardening groups and municipalities can replicate the concept to promote practical sustainability education and integrate it into urban planning and green infrastructure projects.
The project’s approach to working with stakeholders — research organisations, farmers and businesses — can serve as a blueprint for other regions looking to implement sustainable material solutions. By providing an open-source framework for material development, stakeholder collaboration and circular economy integration, Urban Bloom serves as a scalable and adaptable model for sustainable packaging and regenerative urban ecosystems worldwide.
Urban Bloom’s circular sourcing strategy, which converts agricultural by-products and invasive plant biomass into a raw material, can be replicated in other regions by utilising locally available organic biomass. This model supports local farmers, waste processors and businesses, reducing agricultural waste while creating valuable, environmentally friendly materials.
The educational and participatory elements, such as the QR code platform and the urban demonstration gardens, provide an adaptable framework for knowledge sharing and citizen engagement. Schools, urban gardening groups and municipalities can replicate the concept to promote practical sustainability education and integrate it into urban planning and green infrastructure projects.
The project’s approach to working with stakeholders — research organisations, farmers and businesses — can serve as a blueprint for other regions looking to implement sustainable material solutions. By providing an open-source framework for material development, stakeholder collaboration and circular economy integration, Urban Bloom serves as a scalable and adaptable model for sustainable packaging and regenerative urban ecosystems worldwide.
Urban Bloom tackles global environmental challenges such as plastic pollution, biodiversity loss, agricultural waste, and climate change. By transforming waste into a resource, the project demonstrates how localized interventions can contribute to systemic change.
Globally, single-use plastic packaging accounts for a significant portion of waste, with millions of tons ending up in landfills and oceans each year. Project directly addresses this issue by developing biodegradable, mycelium-based packaging that decomposes naturally, eliminating plastic waste. By sourcing raw materials from agricultural by-products and invasive plants, the project up-cycle organic waste in valuable products.
The loss of natural habitats has contributed to the decline of pollinator populations, which are crucial for global food security. Pollinator-friendly plant seeds within packaging are supporting biodiversity by increasing green spaces in urban environments. This localized approach helps create new pollinator habitats, mitigating the effects of urbanization on ecosystems.
Traditional packaging production relies on fossil fuels, contributing to high CO₂ emissions. Urban Bloom’s mycelium-based materials require minimal energy input, significantly reducing the carbon footprint of packaging. Additionally, by promoting urban gardening through modular crates and plantable packaging, the project encourages local food production, reducing the need for long supply chains and lowering overall emissions.
One of the biggest barriers to sustainable development is a lack of public awareness and engagement. Urban Bloom integrates an educational platform and demonstration garden, making sustainability accessible and interactive. By involving citizens, businesses, and policymakers, the project fosters a community-driven shift towards circular economy solutions, proving that small local actions can drive global impact.
Globally, single-use plastic packaging accounts for a significant portion of waste, with millions of tons ending up in landfills and oceans each year. Project directly addresses this issue by developing biodegradable, mycelium-based packaging that decomposes naturally, eliminating plastic waste. By sourcing raw materials from agricultural by-products and invasive plants, the project up-cycle organic waste in valuable products.
The loss of natural habitats has contributed to the decline of pollinator populations, which are crucial for global food security. Pollinator-friendly plant seeds within packaging are supporting biodiversity by increasing green spaces in urban environments. This localized approach helps create new pollinator habitats, mitigating the effects of urbanization on ecosystems.
Traditional packaging production relies on fossil fuels, contributing to high CO₂ emissions. Urban Bloom’s mycelium-based materials require minimal energy input, significantly reducing the carbon footprint of packaging. Additionally, by promoting urban gardening through modular crates and plantable packaging, the project encourages local food production, reducing the need for long supply chains and lowering overall emissions.
One of the biggest barriers to sustainable development is a lack of public awareness and engagement. Urban Bloom integrates an educational platform and demonstration garden, making sustainability accessible and interactive. By involving citizens, businesses, and policymakers, the project fosters a community-driven shift towards circular economy solutions, proving that small local actions can drive global impact.
The first year of the Urban Bloom project will focus on research, prototyping and strategic partnerships. Key priorities include the development of biodegradable packaging, collaboration with research organisations and local biomass suppliers, and the launch of an educational platform to promote sustainability. A demonstration garden will provide practical insights into the impact of the project and ensure a structured, data-driven approach to long-term growth and innovation.
In the first year, we aim to:
- Establish partnerships with local farms, organic biomass producers and research organisations to strengthen the circular economy.
- Build connections with the Institute of the Republic of Slovenia for Nature Conservation, sustainability organisations and key stakeholders.
- Develop and optimise prototypes for biodegradable crates and packaging embedded with seeds.
- Test and refine mycelium-based biocomposites by evaluating material stability and seed germination.
- Implement an educational platform with QR codes and digital content.
- Set up a demonstration garden to show the regenerative potential of the packaging.As Urban Bloom progresses and becomes commercialised, the focus will shift to maximising impact, refining solutions and deepening environmental and social contributions. With a solid foundation and proven methods, the project is able to improve urban green spaces, reduce plastic waste and promote biodiversity while supporting the local economy. By integrating education, research and collaboration with industry, Urban Bloom will advance biodegradable packaging solutions and ensure practical applications in various sectors. Continuous monitoring, innovation and stakeholder engagement will drive long-term success and accelerate the transition to a circular, low-carbon economy.
In the first year, we aim to:
- Establish partnerships with local farms, organic biomass producers and research organisations to strengthen the circular economy.
- Build connections with the Institute of the Republic of Slovenia for Nature Conservation, sustainability organisations and key stakeholders.
- Develop and optimise prototypes for biodegradable crates and packaging embedded with seeds.
- Test and refine mycelium-based biocomposites by evaluating material stability and seed germination.
- Implement an educational platform with QR codes and digital content.
- Set up a demonstration garden to show the regenerative potential of the packaging.As Urban Bloom progresses and becomes commercialised, the focus will shift to maximising impact, refining solutions and deepening environmental and social contributions. With a solid foundation and proven methods, the project is able to improve urban green spaces, reduce plastic waste and promote biodiversity while supporting the local economy. By integrating education, research and collaboration with industry, Urban Bloom will advance biodegradable packaging solutions and ensure practical applications in various sectors. Continuous monitoring, innovation and stakeholder engagement will drive long-term success and accelerate the transition to a circular, low-carbon economy.
