Startup aims to "enrich life after death" by growing biodegradable mushroom-based coffins and urns

When it comes to matters of life and death, there may be a missing key ingredient of conversation: mushrooms. 

A new startup has found that fungi can go beyond filling people's plates while they are alive. They can also be used to take care of their bodies once they're dead. The company, Loop Biotech, is "growing" coffins and urns by combining mycelium – the root-like structure in mushrooms – with hemp fiber.  

The founders of the company say they want to "collaborate with nature to give humanity a positive footprint," a goal that is difficult to achieve with today's common burial practices.