---
title: GOB uses mycelium foam to create a sustainable alternative to 40 billion plastic earplugs
description: Using Ecovative's AirMycelium foam, GOB’s new single-use, home-compostable earplugs tackle the waste and health issues related to PVC earplugs.
---

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# [GOB uses mycelium foam to create a sustainable alternative to 40 billion plastic earplugs](https://www.trendwatching.com/innovations/gob-uses-mycelium-foam-to-create-a-sustainable-alternative-to-40-billion-plastic-earplugs)

 Written by [Liesbeth den Toom](https://www.trendwatching.com/innovations/author/liesbeth-den-toom) | Oct 30, 2024 11:55:28 AM

A new startup is tackling the environmental impact of disposable earplugs with a mycelium-based alternative. [GOB](https://www.gob.earth/) has developed what it claims is the world's first plastic-free, compostable earplug. The need for a sustainable alternative is more pressing than one might imagine: manufacturers currently produce around 40 billion single-use earplugs annually, enough to circle the Earth nearly 100 times if laid end-to-end.

Beyond addressing the problem of plastic waste, GOB's mycelium earplugs also focus on health issues associated with traditional earplugs. Made of PVC foam, these may contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals, while vinyl chloride, a precursor to PVC, is a known carcinogenic. GOB, meanwhile, uses mycelium foam created by Ecovative's [Forager](https://forager.bio/pages/innovation), which can grow 3 million square feet of material a year on one acre of land.

According to GOB, the performance of its product matches or exceeds that of traditional foam plugs: AirMycelium foam provides balanced acoustic dampening while maintaining sound clarity. The material also has memory foam-like properties, conforming to a user's ear shape without causing discomfort. When the earplugs reach end-of-life, they're 100% home-compostable and break down into soil nutrients — a stark contrast to conventional PVC-based alternatives. The company is currently accepting pre-orders, with shipments expected to begin in early 2025.

[View full post](https://www.trendwatching.com/innovations/gob-uses-mycelium-foam-to-create-a-sustainable-alternative-to-40-billion-plastic-earplugs)

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