"Much of the manufacturing process is nearly energy-free, with the mycelia growing around and digesting agricultural starter material--such as cotton seed or wood fiber--"
The article is very interesting and, as mentioned by a FReeper above, I don't mind 'green' technology that is driven by the free-market process ... but, I am having trouble reconciling the two statements that I've taken from the article. They say that this produce will not be prone to price fluctuations, yet they are relying on starter material that DOES fluctuate in price. Cotton seed goes up and down quite a bit, and I don't doubt that wood fiber does as well.
The waste stream may not be constant, either. There could be a glut or a shortage of the original material at any given time, reducing the amount of waste or increasing it. Changes in the original substances’ processing could also change the availability or usefulness of the waste.
But, it does look like they could easily switch to other cellulose-based waste streams.
If they could use tree bark, there is probably an infinite supply from the sawmills and logging waste. Corn cobs and peanut shells could likely be used, as well.
I hope their kits are cheap enough to be cost effective. I could use something like this in my business.