Author Archive: Rebecca Gendron

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Lenzing and NFW partner on plant-based leather

Lenzing and NFW partner on plant-based leather

February 20, 2023 |

In Austria, Lenzing and Natural Fiber Welding Inc have partnered to offer Lenzing’s cellulose-based TENCEL branded fibers as another backer option for NFW’s plant-based MIRUM® leather. The MIRUM x TENCEL collaboration will be showcased for the first time during the international leather fair, LINEAPELLE, which will take place this week in Milan, Italy. TENCEL Lyocell […]

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Fungal assassin named after Keanu Reeves

Fungal assassin named after Keanu Reeves

February 13, 2023 |

In Germany, researchers at Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology have discovered  a new class of compounds so effective at killing fungi they named them keanumycins—a nod to the fictional hitman John Wick, played by action star Keanu Reeves. Produced by the bacteria Pseudomonas, keanumycins were shown effective against gray mold rot […]

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Take flight on chicken wings: Oil from Super Bowl tailgate to be converted to SAF

Take flight on chicken wings: Oil from Super Bowl tailgate to be converted to SAF

February 13, 2023 |

In Arizona, Fast Company reports that Neste will process used cooking oil from State Farm Stadium—the site of this year’s nailbiter Super Bowl matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs—into sustainable aviation fuel. The oil will specifically be sourced from the Stadium’s pregame tailgate party, where it was used to fry up football […]

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Make love, not plastic waste: Online platform reports surge in ecofriendly sexual wellness products

Make love, not plastic waste: Online platform reports surge in ecofriendly sexual wellness products

February 13, 2023 |

In the United Kingdom, sustainable product-focused online marketplace Veo has identified a 3,500% increase in consumer searches for sustainable sexual health products such as eco-friendly and bioplastic sex toys and vegan massage oils in the run-up to Valentine’s Day. According to Veo, the sexual wellness market is expected to reach £92 billion by 2026, with […]

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Sustainable audio company Majority launches cellulose earbuds

Sustainable audio company Majority launches cellulose earbuds

February 13, 2023 |

In the United Kingdom, Majority has introduced wireless earbuds and charging cases that feature biodegradable and recycled plastics casings and speakers made from cellulose. Dubbed TruBio, the 43-gram earbuds deliver “deep base and clear highs” with Bluetooth technology for stable and fast connection, according to a write-up in Forbes.  TruBio also provide up to 30 […]

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Sweden’s Tomorrow Machine develops edible potato-based packaging

Sweden’s Tomorrow Machine develops edible potato-based packaging

February 13, 2023 |

In Sweden, a design studio and juice company have developed a potato-based bottle that can be eaten, composted, or dissolved in water. Dubbed GoneShells, founder of design studio Tomorrow Machine Anna Glansén says the bottles were developed in collaboration with Eckes Granini, the maker of Brämhults-brand of juices and smoothies. The structure of the bottles […]

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BRAIN Biotech terminates natural sweetener pact with Roquette Frères

BRAIN Biotech terminates natural sweetener pact with Roquette Frères

February 13, 2023 |

In Germany, BRAIN Biotech AG has terminated its joint development contract with Roquette Frères covering natural sweeteners. The two companies signed the pact in January 2021 after a successful R&D phase for Brazzein, a protein sweetener naturally found in African berries Pentadiplandra brazzeana Baillon. Roquette and BRAIN said at the time that they saw “very […]

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Givaudan launches fermentation-based retinol

Givaudan launches fermentation-based retinol

February 13, 2023 |

In Switzerland, specialty chemicals maker Givaudan has introduced RetiLife™, the first 100% naturally sourced retinol for use in anti-aging cosmetic products. The retinol is produced via fermentation using microorganisms and plant-based sugars as feedstock. It is then combined with sunflower oil, which acts as a protective natural antioxidant.  “Retinol is widely used in skincare applications […]

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Croda acquires beauty actives maker Solus Biotech

Croda acquires beauty actives maker Solus Biotech

February 13, 2023 |

In the United Kingdom, Croda International Plc has agreed to acquire Solus Biotech, a South Korea-based producer of biotechnology-derived beauty actives, from Solus Advanced Materials for KRW350 billion ($275 million). The deal provides access to Solus’ existing ceramide and phospholipid technologies and emerging capabilities in natural retinol.  It will also strengthen Croda’s Beauty Actives portfolio […]

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Say sayonara to soggy sips: Korean team creates coating for paper straws

Say sayonara to soggy sips: Korean team creates coating for paper straws

February 6, 2023 |

In Korea, Researchers at the Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology have achieved a holy grail in the fight against plastics waste due to straws: a renewable and biodegradable coating that keeps paper from going soggy. A research team comprised of Dr. Oh Dongyeop and Dr. Kwak Hojung of KRICT and Professor Park Jeyoung of […]

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