CNBC

Nightly Business Report

Sue Herera has the story of one entrepreneur who had the bright idea to turn fungus into light fixtures.

Publication: CNBC — Nightly Business Report
Article Title: Interview with Danielle Trofe
Date: 2018
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lb8c8f5u6d8

Summary:
CNBC’s Nightly Business Report features Danielle Trofe, founder of MushLume Lighting, highlighting her use of mycelium—the root structure of mushrooms—to grow biodegradable lampshades. The segment explains how hemp and mycelium are combined and grown in molds over several days, then heat-treated to create a lightweight, fire-resistant, and stable material. It also covers the commercial adoption of MushLume lighting, including a large-scale installation at 1Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, and Trofe’s collaboration with biomaterials company Ecovative. The feature positions her work within a broader shift toward nature-inspired design and sustainable manufacturing.

Key Topics:
- Mycelium lighting
- Biofabrication (grown materials)
- Sustainable manufacturing
- Biomimicry and nature-inspired design
- Material performance (lightweight, fire-resistant)
- Commercial applications (hospitality projects)
- Collaboration with Ecovative
- Emerging sustainable design practices

Related Links:
Learn more about our materials and process
Explore the MushLume Lighting Collection