In the United Kingdom, scientists at Cambridge University have developed biodegradable glitter made from nanocrystals of cellulose extracted from fruit waste. The sustainable sparkle solution can be used in any application that currently uses glitter, such as cosmetics and crafts, but is free of microplastics and metals that make conventional glitter bad for the environment. […]
In Japan, design studio Sozai Center has created a biobased material made by mixing leftover apple pomace—which includes apple flesh, skin, seeds and stems—with bioplastic. Dubbed Adam Sheet as a playful nod to Adam’s apples, the washable, scratch-resistant material uses apples sourced from the country’s Aomori Prefecture. Studio founder Shotaro Oshima tells design publication dezeen […]
In Japan, Spiber Inc. has completed a round of fundraising totaling over JPY 10 billion (US$65 million) to accelerate mass production of its Brewed Protein materials and facilitate global sales. Made via microbial fermentation, Spiber’s proteins can offer alternative solutions to a wide range of conventional animal-based, plant-based, and synthetic materials for various purposes, including […]
In Finland, Nordic Bioproducts Group has entered into a strategic Memorandum of Understanding with Thailand’s PTT MCC Biochem Company Limited to create new grades of bio-based polybutylene succinate. The project’s target is to produce bioplastic materials that not only boost home compostability and biodegradability, but also deliver advanced properties and performance, enabling penetration into new […]
In Marshall, Minnesota, Solugen has broken ground on a new biomanufacturing facility adjacent to an Archer Daniels Midland corn processing complex. The 500,000-square-foot Bioforge™ Marshall plant will utilize ADM-sourced dextrose to manufacture low-carbon organic acids for applications in water treatment, agriculture, energy, and home and personal care. “[The] groundbreaking represents a key milestone in our […]
In Germany, Evonik has formed a new Botanicals & Natural Actives business segment to better meet the growing demand for botanical extracts and claim-substantiated natural actives, which are supported by its recently established Skin Institute. Operating as part of Evonik’s life sciences division, Nutrition & Care, the new Botanicals & Natural Actives segment plays an […]
In Romania, bike startup Diodra has developed e-bikes with bamboo frames. At 15 kilos, Diodra claims the e-bikes are the lightest ever produced and boast additional features like auto-shifting gears and puncture-free tires. According to designboom, bamboo has a higher strength-to-weight ratio than common bike frame materials like aluminum. It also notes that wood can […]
In Finland, Neste and South Korean chemical company Lotte Chemical have partnered to replace fossil resources with renewable raw materials in the manufacturing of chemicals and plastics. Under the terms of the agreement, Neste will provide Neste RE™, a raw material for chemicals and plastics made from 100% renewable raw materials. Lotte Chemical will use […]
In the Isle of Man, cellular agriculture company Agronomics has invested $10 million in its portfolio company, Liberation Labs Holding, as part of a wider $12.5 million financing round with participation from existing investor Siddhi Capital. Liberation Labs is seeking to become the industrial biotechnology industry’s global fabrication partner through the design, construction and operation […]
In Sweden, bioplastics maker Gaia Biomaterials has secured a $5 million rights issue backed by the Swedish state-owned greentech venture capital fund Almi Invest Greentech and private international and domestic investors. Funds will be used to expand market penetration in the United States, India, and other targeted markets. Gaia Biomaterials’ home-compostable, limestone-based material, Biodolomer, can […]
