In the United Kingdom, London internet provider G.Network has entered administration because it used fiber optic cable jackets made of soy- and corn-based materials that have been chewed by rats. First reported The Telegraph, G.Network is £300 million (US$411 million) in debt and only had 25,000 paying subscribers. Community Fibre was considering acquiring the company’s […]
In London, BSF Enterprise PLC has announced a £15-million (US$19.9-million) fundraise to advance its Lab-Grown Leather technology, with the ultimate goal of showcasing the world’s first T-Rex leather in 2026. The headline-grabbing innovation is possible by incorporating “uniquely defined DNA” derived from the prehistoric animal, and plans for the exhibit are being finalized in partnership […]
In London, design firm Morrama and 3D printing studio Batch.Works have created headphones for children made of the bioplastic polylactic acid. Dubbed Kibu, the headphones are made for kids aged 5-11. They come in pieces that easily snap together, so they can be “assembled and disassembled with little hands,” Batch.Works tells design publication dezeen. “Engaging […]
In London, bioplastic electric toothbrush maker Suri has updated its original product with a pressure sensor, quieter motor and wireless charger. Like its first-generation model, Suri 2.0 works with bioplastic brush heads that can be sent back to the company for recycling. Suri’s first product hit the market in 2022, winning the public vote for […]
In London, scientists from King’s College have found that keratin extracted from human hair creates a protective coating similar to tooth enamel when it comes into contact with minerals in saliva. They theorize that their findings could yield a tooth-repairing toothpaste within two years. “Keratin offers a transformative alternative to current dental treatments,” said Sara […]
In London, Central Saint Martins graduate Hinna Khan has created a simple electronic device from conductive wool. Dubbed WoolTech, Khan was able to replace petroleum-based materials traditionally used to make wires and circuit boards with wool that was laser-treated to possess conductive pathways. The wool that was not treated with the laser formed natural insulation. […]
In London, sustainable fashion pioneer Stella McCartney has unveiled a new version of its S-Wave sneakers, featuring soles made entirely from BioCir Flex, a castor-oil based bioplastic developed by materials startup Balena. Unlike traditional plastic soles, this plant-based material is fully compostable or recyclable, offering a sustainable alternative without sacrificing durability. The soles are dyed […]
In London, Shellworks has launched a fully home-compostable pipette dropper for beauty and wellness product packaging. Pipette droppers used for serums, oils, and wellness products are typically constructed from fused materials including glass, rubber, and plastic, presenting a sustainability challenge in the beauty industry. Their small size means they slip through recycling equipment, causing nearly […]
In London, Sheep Inc. claims it has designed the world’s first swim trunks made entirely of natural materials. “Simply put: swim shorts until now have always relied on synthetic elements, either in the main fabric, the lining or both,” Sheep Inc co-founder Michael Wessely tells design publication Dezeen. “Even many ‘sustainable’ options use recycled polyester […]
In London, Mosa Meat, a pioneer in cultivated beef, has submitted its first application for market approval in the United Kingdom. The submission focuses on cultivated fat as an ingredient, which can be blended with plant-based ingredients to create “delicious beefy foods” like hamburgers, shepherd’s pie and meatballs. “We are thankful to the Food Standards […]
