Seaweed underpants, Trump straws, BASF renewable chelating agents, CBD extraction, biometric IDs for airlines, upcycling coffee waste, and more: The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the week of August 9th

SpongeBob SquarePants must be pretty darn excited today with Lidl’s announcement that they will soon sell seaweed-based underpants produced by Florida-based Nanonic. But that’s not all – with politics ramped up in the news comes “Trump straws”, airlines checking out your face with biometric identification so you can get onboard more quickly, BASF’s first renewables-based Trilon M grade chelating agent, and more. Here are the Top 10 Innovations for the week of August 9th.

In today’s Digest, seaweed underpants, Trump straws, BASF renewable chelating agents, CBD extraction, biometric IDs for airlines, upcycling coffee waste — these and more, ready for you now at The Digest online.

#1 Seaweed-based unmentionables soon for sale in Irish supermarkets

In Northern Ireland, supermarket chain Lidl will soon sell underpants made from seaweed. Launching August 1st, the underpants are made from SeaCell fiber produced by Florida’s Nanonic.

“We’re excited to stock sustainable underwear made from seaweed! Yes… seaweed!” the chain wrote on its Facebook page, according to RSVP Live. “Soft, breathable and light, Seacell is an award-winning [fiber] made from renewable resources—seaweed and wood. The [fiber] is carbon neutral and completely biodegradable!” The environmentally-friendly underwear will start at £4.99 (US$6.18).

Sustainable fashion alternatives are on the rise due to climate change and growing consumer awareness of the industry’s wasteful practices.
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