In Scotland, researchers at the University of Glasgow have demonstrated that circuit boards can be made out of chocolate. Although the sweet treat is more whimsy than proof-of-concept, biodegradable electronics could help the world mitigate the tens of millions of tons of e-waste generated each year. The University of Glasgow team were able to prove […]
In the United Kingdom, Guardpack is testing material from seaweed-based bioplastics maker Kelpi for use in packaging satchets for wipes and liquids. Kelpi’s seaweed-derived material is coated onto paper, providing the barrier properties required for liquid products while maintaining shelf stability. James Tucker, General Manager of Guardpack said Kelpi’s material demonstrated “reliable sealing, excellent machinability, […]
In the Netherlands, biobased ingredients company Relement has secured an investment of €5.4 million (US$6.43 million) from investors KIKK Capital, Yield Lab Europe, Brabant Development Agency, TNO Ventures, and Relement Management. The funding consists of both new equity and conversion of existing loan agreements and will be used to scale up production of Relement’ first […]
In Denmark, Octarine Bio has raised €5 million ($5.8 million) to commercially launch its precision-fermented pigments for food, textiles, and personal care. Specifically, the funds will be used for industrial-scale validation and commercial rollout PurePalette, which is expected this year. Co-founder and CEO Nethaji Gallage told Green Queen Octarine Bio’s pigments are the only fully […]
In India, Starbucks is now offering a protein-packed cold foam made of biofermented yeast. Developed by SuperYou, the foam adds 11-18 grams of protein and is available in flavors banana, chocolate, and vanilla flavors. “Wellness today is about everyday choices that feel achievable,” Sushant Dash, CEO of Tata Starbucks, told BW Retail World, as reported […]
In Texas, a federal judge has refused to dismiss a lawsuit challenging the state’s ban on cultivated meat, allowing the case to proceed. Upside Foods and Wildtype, two food‑tech startups, sued Texas in September, arguing the ban violates the dormant Commerce Clause, which limits states from interfering with interstate commerce. Both companies have already received […]
In Nebraska, U.S. Senators Pete Ricketts (R) and Chris Coons (DE) have introduced the Renewable Chemicals Act, which would provide a targeted, short-term tax credit for qualifying renewable chemicals or an investment tax credit for renewable chemical production facilities. The bill would incentivize the development of additional markets for Nebraska farmers and create chemical industry […]
In New York, an industrial designer and researcher affiliated with Parsons School of Design has created an 8-gigabyte hard drive out of mushrooms. “Soft Drive,” created by Sree Krishna Pillarisetti, is a portable drive with a case made of mycelium, hemp, and the bioplastic polylactic acid. This see-through case protects a memory card and heat […]
In Australia, researchers at Deakin University have created a biodegradable plastic from avocado peels, stale bread, and sago palm starch. The material, which is detailed in the journal Matter, can be used in food packaging, and biomedical and environmental applications. “This method leverages underutilized waste materials, offering a cost-effective and environment-friendly alternative to conventional bioplastics,” […]
In Switzerland, biobased plastics company Vioneo has announced it is relocating its first planned project from Antwerp, Belgium to China. The company, which aims to convert biobased methanol into polyethylene and polypropylene, said relocating its first plant to China allows it to tap into a commercial-scale biobased methanol supply. “Our overall mission remains unchanged: scale […]
