Robocar’s biobased seat cushions, miscanthus bedding, churro waste fat based diesel, edible spoons, cellulose-based fabric, sausage without the sausage, and more: The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the week of August 15th

As the end of summer approaches, county fairs are popping up around the U.S. and with it, churros and other waste. But innovators are turning churro waste fats into renewable diesel, using edible flavored spoons to avoid fair waste, rain ponchos made from sugarcane-based bioplastic, packaging from cornstarch and spruce wood, and more. Here are the Top 10 Innovations for the week of August 15th.

In today’s Digest, Robocar’s biobased seat cushions, miscanthus bedding, churro waste fat based diesel, edible spoons, cellulose-based fabric, sausage without the sausage — these and more, ready for you now at The Digest online.

#1 Self-driving “Robocar” will feature biobased seat cushions

In Japan, ZMP Inc has adopted Mitsui Chemicals’ biobased polyol for its Robocar Walk self-driving car.

ZMP uses polyurethane foam produced from the polyol—dubbed Econykol—in the Robocar’s seat cushions.

“ZMP has worked to create robotics using designs that resonate with people,” ZMP CEO Taniguchi tells Plastics Today. “Further here, we think it’s essential to make use of materials that are both people-friendly and environment-friendly. By adopting Econykol, we’re able to create robotics that are both people-friendly and eco-friendly – making it possible to provide even more value to our customers.”

Mitsui’s joint venture in Korea, Mitsui Chemicals & SKC Polyurethanes Inc., developed the material using castor seeds as feedstock. The material reduces carbon dioxide emissions compared to incumbent materials by 27%. It is produced by Mumbai’s Vithal Castor Polyols Pvt. Ltd., which is 50% owned by Jayant Agro-Organics Ltd.
More on the story, here.