Mushroom Burial Suits: A Complete Guide to Mycelium Funerals

In 2019, the world was captivated by the news that actor Luke Perry had been buried in a mushroom burial suit. This high-profile choice brought a niche concept into the mainstream, sparking a global conversation about how we treat our bodies after death. As we look at the funeral landscape in 2025, the "Infinity Burial Suit" that Perry wore has paved the way for a revolution in green technology. Whether you call it an infinity burial or a mycelium suit, this method represents a radical shift toward returning to the earth in the most natural way possible.

The core idea is simple yet profound: instead of fighting nature with chemicals and concrete, we partner with fungi to accelerate the cycle of life. By choosing a mushroom burial suit, families can ensure that a loved one's final act is one of environmental restoration rather than pollution.

What is a Mushroom Burial Suit?

A mushroom burial suit is a biodegradable garment infused with mushroom spores and other microorganisms. Originally developed by Jae Rhim Lee, an MIT researcher and founder of Coeio, the suit was designed to address the toxic legacy of the modern funeral industry.

The mechanism behind the suit is known as mycoremediation. This is the process by which fungi break down organic matter and, in some cases, neutralize environmental toxins. In the context of a human body, the suit is intended to help the "bio-mix" of spores consume the body while filtering out heavy metals and preservatives that we accumulate throughout our lives.

The Science of Mycelium

Mycelium is the root-like structure of fungi. It is a vast, underground network that acts as nature's ultimate recycler. When a mycelium suit or coffin is placed in the soil, the fungi activate, using the body as a nutrient source. This process doesn't just "get rid" of the body; it converts it into rich compost that feeds the surrounding ecosystem.

The Environmental Case for Mushroom Burials

To understand why mushroom suits have become so popular, we must look at the traditional alternatives. Every year, traditional burials in the U.S. alone bury enough embalming fluid to fill eight Olympic-sized swimming pools.

Cremation is often viewed as "green," but a single cremation releases roughly 535 lbs of CO2 into the atmosphere. In contrast, a mushroom burial sequestered carbon into the soil and avoids the use of energy-intensive furnaces. If you are weighing your choices, you might find our Eco-Friendly Cremation guide helpful for comparison.

The Shift from Suits to "Living Coffins"

As of mid-2025, the original Infinity Burial Suit has largely been superseded by newer mycelium technology. Companies like Loop Biotech have introduced the "Loop Living Cocoon." This is a coffin grown entirely from mycelium in a lab over the course of seven days.

The shift occurred because suits presented practical challenges for funeral directors. A shroud-like suit requires more careful handling than a rigid coffin. Furthermore, the "Living Cocoon" provides a more robust environment for the fungi to thrive.

Practical Considerations and Legality

One of the most common questions I receive as a funeral director is: "Is this legal?" The answer is yes, but with caveats. Mushroom burial suits are treated as biodegradable shrouds. To use one, you must typically utilize a green cemetery or a hybrid cemetery that does not require a concrete grave liner or vault.

Requirements for a Mycelium Burial

1. No Embalming: You cannot use a mushroom suit if the body has been embalmed. Formaldehyde kills the very spores meant to aid decomposition.
2. Shallow Burial: For the fungi to work effectively, the body should be buried at a depth of about 3 to 4 feet. This is where the soil is most biologically active and oxygen is present.
3. Storage: If you purchase a suit or coffin in advance, it must be stored in a cool, dark, and dry place. Moisture can activate the spores prematurely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Choosing a green funeral is a beautiful gesture, but it requires careful planning to ensure your wishes are carried out correctly.

• Waiting too long to decide: Because mushroom burials involve no embalming, the process is time-sensitive. Burial typically needs to happen within 24 to 48 hours unless professional refrigeration is available.
• Buying a suit for a traditional cemetery: Most traditional "memorial parks" require concrete vaults to keep the grass level for lawnmowers. These vaults prevent the suit from ever touching the soil, rendering the mushroom technology useless.
• Expecting "Magic Mushrooms": A common misconception is that mushrooms will bloom visibly above the grave. In reality, the decomposition happens underground. You are unlikely to see a "forest of mushrooms" marking the spot.
• Assuming the suit does all the work: Mushrooms are enhancers. The primary work of decomposition is still done by soil bacteria and nematodes. The suit simply makes the process cleaner and more efficient.

For a broader look at how to coordinate these details, see our Green and Eco Funeral Guide.

The Future of Fungal Funerals (2025 and Beyond)

The legalization of Natural Organic Reduction (human composting) in 14 states—including New York and California—has further validated the science behind mushroom burials. Both processes rely on the same principle: microbial and fungal activity turning human remains into soil.

As consumer demand rises, we are seeing more traditional cemeteries open "Green Sections." This allows families to use a mushroom burial suit or mycelium coffin without needing to find a remote wilderness site. This hybrid approach is expected to drive the green burial market to a $2 billion valuation by the end of 2025.

Conclusion

The rise of the mushroom burial suit and the subsequent shift toward mycelium coffins represents a growing desire for a "good death"—one that honors the earth as much as the individual. By choosing an infinity burial, you are opting out of a polluting industry and into a cycle of renewal. As we move through 2025, these options are becoming more accessible, affordable, and scientifically refined.

If you are concerned about the environmental impact of your final arrangements, understanding the Carbon Footprint of Funerals is a great next step in your pre-planning journey.