New York state has approved human composting as an end-of-life option, becoming the sixth state to do so after Washington, Colorado, Oregon, Vermont, and California. The process converts a deceased human body into soil over several weeks. It is thought to be more sustainable than cremation or burial, and at the end of the process, […]
In Italy, luxury brand Gucci has introduced dive watches made from biobased plastics. At least 46% of the unisex 40 mm watches are biobased, as is 60% of the case. Recycled materials are used for the crown, buckle, and case back. Retailing for $1,850, the watches are water-resistant up to 200 meters and have enough […]
In Brazil, furf design studio has created mycelium deities to highlight the sustainability potential of the material and “emblemize the plurality of Brazilian syncretism.” The collection—appropriately called Faith—is made using 3D printed molds and includes Mary, Buddha, and Brazilian queen of the sea, Iemanjá. “With a negative carbon footprint, it cleans the environment with its […]
Brunei’s largest card issuer has launched credit and debit cards made from biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) bioplastic to demonstrate its “commitment to tackling the sustainability challenges facing the world.” Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam says the new cards have the same functionality as conventional cards but emit 70% fewer greenhouse gas emissions to produce. “BIBD worked […]
In Spain, researchers from the Universitat Politècnica de València have created a biodegradable material from palm tree waste that has comparable properties to carbon fiber. Dubbed Fiberpalm, the innovation is the brainchild of mechanical engineering students Manel Cabanes, Álvaro Gallego and Mario Salido; business administration and management majors Ángeles Vendrell and Ariadna Sánchez, and chemical […]
In India, researchers with IIT Roorkee’s Department of Paper Technology have developed an edible ink for a wide range of printing and packaging applications. The plant-based alternative comes as India’s ban on single-use plastic items like plates and cups has caused more people to carry groceries or food items in bags made from newspapers. The […]
In Switzerland, running shoe company On has begun a rental program for its biobased Cloudneo sneaker. Produced using several materials made from castor oil beans, the cost of leasing Cloudneo sneakers runs about $30 a month. When a runner wears out their current sneaker, they can send for a new pair and receive a FedEx […]
In California, renewable chemical maker Amyris, Inc. has entered into a definitive purchase agreement for stock and announced a concurrent private placement, saying the combination will net about $50 million. The funds will be used for general corporate purposes. The definitive purchase agreement covers the purchase and sale of 20,000,000 shares of the Company’s common […]
In Florida, The Maritime Executive reported that Hyundai Heavy Industries Group has developed and successfully tested Korea’s first LNG/hydrogen mixed-firing engine. According to the report, the development of the hybrid engine is part of the South Korean shipbuilding industry’s focus on next generation ships and high-value applications which it is pursue to expand its shipbuilding […]
In India, local newspaper Financial Express reported that NTPC one of India’s largest power generation company has signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Tecnimont, the local subsidiary of Italian company Maire Tecnimont Group. Under the terms of the agreement, the partners will jointly evaluate and explore the possibility to develop commercial green methanol […]
