Fungi are ruling our collective consciousness (and only partly in a psychedelic way). From foraged finds to new modes of psychology to mushroom recipes to fungi-centric shows, the fungal has gone viral—and the tinder fungus is here to add more fuel to that fire.

According to a new study, the tinder fungus could actually help humans in replacing some plastics. Considering landfills received 27 million tons of plastic in 2018 alone, this could be a huge win for the planet.

What Is Tinder Fungus?

Tinder fungus, aka hoof fungus, is found throughout North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. It’s a polypore, growing on living or dead trees and ultimately aiding in the decomposition process.

The fungus is tough and shelf-like and spores are discharged from its underside. Tinder fungus gets its name from its centuries-long use as a fire starter, and also enjoys a long menu of appearances in folk remedies.

How Can Tinder Fungus Help Replace Plastic?

New research—cited in a study published this week in the journal Science Advances—suggests that the structure of Fomes fomentarius could offer “inspiration” for a new guard of ultralightweight materials.

Upon analysis, researchers discovered that tinder’s three layers (crust, context, and H. tubes) feature unique and distinct molecular makeups, along with an extracellular matrix that protects and strengthens each tier. The qualities combine in a durable and uniquely synergistic natural material—one that could influence our own approach to creating plastic alternatives.

While tinder fungus itself has the potential for use as a leatherlike material, the study notes that it’s the characteristics of the fungus, rather than the fungus itself, that could lead to a revolution in multifunctional substances.

“What is found to be extraordinary is that, with minimal changes in their cell morphology and extracellular polymeric composition, they formulate diverse materials with distinct physiochemical performances that surpass most natural and man-made materials that are usually confronted by property trade-offs (e.g., increasing weight/density to increase strength/stiffness/toughness),” the study notes.

It seems that fungus is continuing to inspire humans to think outside of the box—and look, with greater attention, toward the Earth.