Automaker Kia announced it has signed an agreement with Bulgaria’s Biomyc for the production of durable, bio-degradable interior components grown and coloured using the Bulgarian company’s mushroom material.

“Kia Corporation today announced details of collaborations with selected cutting-edge materials companies, the real-world benefits of which have been demonstrated through the creation of environmentally conscious components for the brand’s new Concept EV2,” the company said in the press release published on its website.

The partnership with Biomyc envisages the use of durable, bio-degradable components grown by the Bulgarian company as part of the Concept EV2’s interior.

“Crafted from mushroom material (hemp and mycelium), the partnership also employs an advanced coloration process that achieves Kia’s specified Pantone shades precisely,” Kia noted.

Biomyc has designed a complex mold and developed a method to grow the part with a flawless mycelium skin. That component will serve as both insulation and a visually impactful design element in Kia’s vehicles.

Biomyc also carried out a research to identify ecologically aware coatings, paints, and additives capable of modifying the colour of the mushroom-based material.

“As part of the project, Biomyc created more than 180 samples featuring different coatings, paints and additives. The results are not only seen within the Concept EV2 but were compiled into a comprehensive document to serve as a future reference for the Kia design department,” Kia wrote in the press release.

“It’s an honour to be chosen as an interior innovation partner to a brand as forward-thinking as Kia,” Atanas Enev, Biomyc’s founder and lead designer, noted as quoted in the press release.

“Kia’s commitment to pioneering environmentally conscious materials in automotive design made this an ideal collaboration. Its bold vision aligned perfectly with our expertise in mushroom material, from advanced molding and coloration to rapid prototyping. Together, we’ve shown that innovative materials can meet automotive standards and move from an idea to a real-world concept without compromise. It’s a bold step for mycelium material adoption,” he added.

The two companies have not disclosed the value of the contract. Kia has also signed deals with two other international companies for green solutions for its vehicles, Bcomp and Simplifier, for innovative materials to be incorporated in key parts of the vehicles.