Two former students have developed packing material made from farm waste and mushrooms.

They say that their EcoCradle invention uses one eighth of the energy to make compared to standard polystyrene foam packing material. Its production also gives off one tenth of the CO2.

The material is made from inedible agricultural waste, such as cotton seeds and rice husks. This waste is sterilised before being mixed with mushroom fibres called mycelia. This then grows into and around the rest of the waste, forming a strong material.

It can be produced in the dark and at room temperature, which is why making it uses so little energy. And, unlike normal foam, this new material can be recycled by simply putting it on a compost heap.