Narratives of fungal-based materials for a new bioeconomy era

Abstract

Newly developed fungal-based materials have promising potential with regard to mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and enabling a shift towards a more circular economy. However, an important step towards their success in the bioeconomy is consumers’ acceptance and sustainable consumption of these materials. Highlighting the power of narratives, this paper looks at the symbolic nature of fungi and discusses how common perceptions can be reshaped through narrative structures. We first identify common expectations, hopes and fears of fungi and then focus on how potentially negative beliefs or fears regarding fungal-based materials can be transformed through disseminating and reframing scientific information in a narrative structure. Specifically, we discuss characteristics of a story that can induce changes in attitudes and behaviours among consumers to induce sustainable consumer choices. To adjust and promote these sustainable narratives within the society, we suggest innovative science communication and especially citizen participation formats as adequate tools.

Keywords:

• fungi
• fungal-based materials
• bioeconomy
• fungi and symbolism
• narratives and storytelling
• science communication
• citizen participation

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Nora Delvendahl

Nora Delvendahl, Research Assistant and PhD Student, Department of Education for Sustainable Nutrition and Food Science at the Institute of Vocational Education and Work Studies, Technische Universität Berlin.

Hans-Liudger Dienel

Hans-Liudger Dienel, Full Professor for “Work, Technology and Participation” at Institute for Work Studies and Vocational Education of Technische Universität Berlin and director of nexus Institute, the leading German research center for mini publics.

Vera Meyer

Vera Meyer, Full Professor, Head of the Department Applied and Molecular Microbiology at the Institute Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin.

Nina Langen

Nina Langen, Full Professor, Head of the Department of Education for Sustainable Nutrition and Food Science at the Institute of Vocational Education and Work Studies, Technische Universität Berlin.

Jennifer Zimmermann

Jennifer Zimmermann, Head of the areas Service for Teacher Training Students und Mentoring Qualifications at the Professional School of Education at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin.

Martin Schlecht

Martin Schlecht, Research Associate and PhD Student, Department Work, Technology and Participation Institute for Work Studies and Vocational Education, Technische Universität Berlin.