San Francisco-based startup GOB has launched the world’s first compostable earplugs made entirely from mycelium, an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic-based earplugs. Mycelium, the root structure of mushrooms, offers a biodegradable solution to the estimated 40 billion plastic earplugs produced globally each year, many of which contribute to environmental pollution.
“Our earplugs contain no microplastics and no harmful residue—just pure mycelium doing what it does best”
The earplugs are created in partnership with Ecovative, a leader in mycelium technology, and are produced using agricultural byproducts that are formed into shape by robotic systems. GOB’s earplugs have been designed to maintain sound clarity while providing effective noise reduction.
Unlike traditional foam earplugs that can distort certain frequencies, GOB’s product is described as offering balanced sound absorption while avoiding the muffling effect commonly associated with PVC-based products.
Earplugs that feed the soil
GOB’s earplugs are hypoallergenic, completely home-compostable, and certified by the USDA as 100% biobased. Once disposed of, the plugs break down into nutrients that feed the soil, eliminating concerns about microplastics or harmful residue. According to GOB’s website, “Our mycelium foam plugs go beyond just being compostable—once they’ve done their job, they return to nature by breaking down into nutrients that feed the soil.”
The company notes its commitment to creating a sustainable alternative to traditional earplugs, which are typically made from petroleum-based materials such as PVC, a substance known to have harmful effects on both human health and the environment. GOB sees its product as part of a broader shift towards regenerative products designed to minimize ecological impact.
GOB’s market entry has been bolstered by $1.2 million in pre-seed funding and notable music and sports industry partnerships, including collaborations with Billie Eilish’s tour operations and Formula 1, according to Baukunst, the leader in the investment round. The startup is also exploring partnerships in the hospitality, aviation, and motorsports sectors to expand its reach.
Expanding global access to mycelium tech
Ecovative, GOB’s partner in developing the earplugs, opened access to a European patent for its MycoComposite™ materials last year, enabling companies across Europe to use the technology in various applications, following a $30M series E funding round.
Eben Bayer, Ecovative’s founder and CEO, had previously told vegconomist, “Over the next five years, mycelium will be much more common in food, in the fashion and apparel and automotive spaces, to name a few. I think by then, many more people will see the amazing potential of mycelium, and the adoption will grow very quickly.”
The company notes, “Our earplugs contain no microplastics and no harmful residue—just pure mycelium doing what it does best: regenerating the earth, naturally and without compromise. Zero B.S.”
GOB’s mycelium earplugs are now available for preorder.
