Mould susceptibility of bio-based insulation materials in modern construction

Joni Wildman; Andrew Shea; Valeria Cascione; Daniel Henk

doi:10.1038/s41529-026-00742-7

Mould susceptibility of bio-based insulation materials in modern construction

Joni Wildman, Andrew Shea, Valeria Cascione, Daniel Henk

Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › peer-review

Abstract

This review compares the mould susceptibility of bio-based and conventional insulation. Mould growth poses a risk to building durability and occupant health, with bio-based materials being more susceptible due to their organic composition. However, testing practices limit meaningful comparisons, and laboratory studies often fail to replicate real-world conditions. Recommendations include standardised testing, in-situ monitoring and field studies, and development of antifungal strategies to understand and address mould risk across insulation options.

Original language	English
Article number	29
Journal	npj Materials Degradation
Volume	10
Issue number	1
Early online date	16 Feb 2026
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1038/s41529-026-00742-7
Publication status	E-pub ahead of print - 16 Feb 2026

Data Availability Statement

Data are provided within the manuscript or supplementary information files.

Funding

Dr. A. Shea and Dr. V. Cascione gratefully acknowledge funding support from the European Union’s Horizon Europe Innovation Action programme under grant number https://www.inbuilt-project.eu. We also wish to acknowledge partners from the INBUILT project, specifically, Fred Robinson and Annie Ferrari of Mykor Ltd., for their help and advice in the development of Mycelium Bio-Composite materials and test methods.

Funders	Funder number
HORIZON EUROPE Framework Programme
INBUILT

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Ceramics and Composites
Chemistry (miscellaneous)
Materials Science (miscellaneous)
Materials Chemistry

Access to Document

10.1038/s41529-026-00742-7Licence: CC BY

Cite this

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Mould susceptibility of bio-based insulation materials in modern construction

Abstract

Data Availability Statement

Funding

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Access to Document

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Cite this