Paper industry has significantly contributed to deforestation, accounting for approximately 14% of global deforestation each year, additionally, paper consumption continues to rise, with an estimated 400 million tons of paper and cardboard being produced globally in 2020 alone. To put this into perspective, the global paper consumption is projected to increase to 490 million tons by 2030.

This work presents the potential benefits and applications of mushroom-based paper as a sustainable alternative to wood paper in eco-friendly packaging solutions. It addresses the environmental impact caused by deforestation and chemical processing in the paper industry by exploring mushrooms as a renewable and eco-friendly source for paper production by the conversion of mushrooms into valuable paper material, offering a sustainable solution while reducing reliance on wood resources minimizing deforestation, which is a primary cause of habitat destruction and loss of biodiversity and also combat the greenhouse gas effect associated with the paper industry, further supporting environmental sustainability.

Mushrooms, with their unique properties, present a promising alternative for paper production. They have a high cellulose content, which is the primary component of paper, and can be processed into a fibrous material suitable for paper making. Moreover, mushrooms are highly renewable and can be cultivated within a short span of time. For example, certain species of mushrooms, such as Ganoderma lucidum, have a growth cycle of just 10 to 14 days, making them an efficient and sustainable resource for paper production.

The potential benefits of mushroom-based paper production are significant. By replacing traditional wood paper, mushroom-based paper offers a reduced ecological footprint, eliminating the need for extensive chemical processing and wood consumption. In turn, this can help conserve forests and protect fragile ecosystems.

Mushroom-based paper has wide-ranging applications in eco-friendly packaging, including food containers, takeaway boxes, and disposable items by adopting mushroom-based paper as an alternative could have a substantial positive impact on the environment, reducing deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions associated with the traditional paper industry.