In Florida, researchers have developed a novel solution to keeping young, vulnerable coral from being eaten by predatory fish: protective cages made from bioplastic straws. Dubbed Coral Fort, the solution has boosted the survival rate of transplanted coral by a whopping 90%, allowing for the mature, established coral to support ocean life amid widespread die-offs […]
In Switzerland, ETH Zurich researchers can now reveal the most effective renovation strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions: replace fossil- fuel heating systems and harness the potential of bio- based building materials like straw and hemp. They developed a model that uses AI to calculate greenhouse gas emissions and costs and also takes into account […]
In the UK, Aston University scientists are to tackle some of the challenges of how to make inedible rice straw into the next generation of biofuels. In recent years, biofuels and biobased chemicals have been blended with petrol to create a more sustainable alternative. The Aston University researchers are to examine issues that currently hinder […]
In the UK, Aston University scientists are to tackle some of the challenges of how to make inedible rice straw into the next generation of biofuels. In recent years, biofuels and biobased chemicals have been blended with petrol to create a more sustainable alternative. The Aston University researchers are to examine issues that currently hinder […]
In China, SQ Group has broken new ground with the launch of the world’s first one-million-metric-ton straw refinery. It is the first phase of an integration project that can process 500,000 tons of straw annually, and produce a series of eco-friendly, bio-based products such as biomass resin carbon, furfural, pulp, bio-methanol, and an array of […]
Digest CONNECT returned to the airwaves again this past week and first presenter was ABLC veteran and Ecostrat CEO Jordan Solomon, as well as Trae Miller, executive director, Logan County Economic Development. Together, they explored the exciting news that Logan County has earned an A feedstock rating for wheat straw via the Bioeconomy Opportunity Development […]
In California, Yvon Chouinard, the founder of sustainability focused outdoor brand Patagonia, is living in a straw house designed by architect Dylan Johnson. The pair tells Dwell that straw is a promising and ecofriendly alternative to conventional building materials. “In the ’60s, people were talking a lot about straw bale houses and mud houses, adobe, […]
In Belgium, researchers at the University of Antwerp have found poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances in straws, including those made from plant-based materials. For straws made from paper and bamboo, they could not determine whether contamination with the forever chemicals occurred from contamination of soil or processing, or was added deliberately to improve straw performance. For […]
In Montluel, France, scooter company Globber has introduced a scooter with a frame made from wheat straw. The Globber Go-Up Foldable Plus Ecologic is compact and lightweight at 3.81 kg and diverts wheat straw from waste streams for use in bioplastic. The Globber Go-Up Foldable Plus Ecologic is designed for tool-less assembly and includes adjustable […]
In South Korea, CJ Biomaterials has partnered with Dongil Platech to develop a new eco-friendly straw made from polylactic acid and CJ Biomaterials’ PHACT amorphous polyhydroxyalkanoate biopolymer. By combining PLA and aPHA—a softer, more rubbery version of PHA—the two companies can produce a material with higher-performing properties and a faster rate of biodegradation. “We expect […]
