In an interesting development for sustainable concert gear, San Francisco-based startup GOB has introduced the world's first mycelium-based earplugs, backed by $1.2M in pre-seed funding and partnerships with major music industry figures.
The Innovation: Breaking Down the Science
The DFC-001 earplugs, developed in partnership with Ecovative, utilise the company's AirMycelium technology. What sets these earplugs apart is their composition: 100% mycelium foam, with no additional materials. The product has earned USDA Certified Biobased status, confirming its natural origins.
Ecovative's production process demonstrates remarkable efficiency. Their vertical farming system can produce three million square feet of material annually on just one acre of land, with production cycles completed in under two weeks. This streamlined approach represents a significant departure from traditional manufacturing methods.
Credits: Gob
Environmental Impact: A Numbers Game
The environmental stakes are considerable. Plastic production currently accounts for 3.4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with projections indicating this figure will double by 2060. Traditional PVC earplugs, which represent just one segment of single-use plastics, take between 20 and 500 years to decompose. This is particularly concerning given that single-use products constitute over 90% of plastic waste.
GOB's analysis presents a compelling case for change: replacing six months' worth of PVC foam earplugs—approximately 20 billion units—with their mycelium alternatives could reduce CO2e emissions by 198 million to 418 million pounds annually.
Industry Adoption and Market Response
The startup has garnered significant industry support, securing an oversubscribed $1.2M pre-seed round led by Baukunst. Their market entry is strengthened by partnerships with prominent figures in the music industry, including Billie Eilish's tour operations and The Lumineers, alongside collaborations with leaders in hospitality, aviation, and motorsports industries.
The product enters the market with straightforward pricing: consumers can purchase a four-pack for $11 or opt for a month's supply at $40.
Credits: Gob
The Concert Industry's Hearing Protection Challenge
Recent data underscores the timely nature of this innovation. In the UK, 58% of concert attendees report experiencing tinnitus or temporary hearing loss after exposure to loud music. A 2020 WHO study revealed that earplug usage at concerts jumped from 1.3% to 8.2% when hearing protection was made available to attendees.
Dick Massey, Billie Eilish's tour manager, emphasises the importance of this development: "It's hugely important that we support and road-test new products, especially when it comes to sustainability. GOB's earplugs provide excellent hearing protection, and everyone I've shown them to loves that they're 100% biodegradable."
Looking Forward: Industry Impact
The launch of these biodegradable earplugs coincides with a broader push toward sustainability in live events. Coldplay recently demonstrated the potential for change through their Music Of The Spheres Tour, achieving a 59% reduction in carbon emissions through a comprehensive sustainability plan. Meanwhile, Massive Attack has raised the bar by hosting what they claim to be the lowest-carbon concert to date, featuring all-vegan food, electric-powered staging, and eliminating parking facilities.
Wesley Schultz, lead singer of The Lumineers, captures the industry's enthusiasm: "I'm really excited about GOB's earplugs because they're comfortable, made from mushrooms, and they're an easy swap for a product our industry burns through constantly."