In Finland, students at Aalto University have created a textile filling dubbed Fluff Stuff that is made from typha latifolia. Commonly known as broadleaf cattail, the plant grows a distinctive cigar-shaped seed head that can be dried and used to replace carbon-intensive down filling in products like cushions, duvets, jackets, and bags. According to developers […]
In Washington, a major manufacturer of mobile charging tools has introduced USB-C charging cables incorporating biobased materials. Dubbed Anker Eco Product, the outer sheath is made from 40% plant-based materials, including corn and sugarcane. The eco-friendly material replaces petroleum-based plastics like thermoplastic elastomer without sacrificing quality, strength, or durability. “As the global leader in mobile […]
In Germany, BMW Group will shortly launch its first vehicles with completely vegan interiors. Available for both BMW and MINI models by next year, the animal-free claim includes the steering wheel, a feature with demanding feel, appearance, and wear-resistance criteria. BMW says the new steering wheel surface material reduces CO2e emissions along the value chain […]
In Israel, design student Naama Nictora has created an edible and dissolvable food film out of algae that can replace plastic and paper packaging and even encase sauces and spices for convenience. Dubbed NakedPak, the coating is clear, tasteless, and can be manufactured in 2- or 3-D sheets. Spices and sauces can be added to […]
In Spain, the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia has 3D printed a structure using natural materials including dirt, aloe, egg whites, and enzymes. Dubbed TOVA, the prototype structure is zero-waste and only sources materials from within a 50-meter radius. “3D printing or additive manufacturing is a great example of km zero construction, as the […]
In Germany, pharmaceutical giant Bayer has issued a “packaging challenge” as it looks for more sustainable options for its plethora of products. The company has tapped yet2, an open innovation services provider, to help in its search for biodegradable, compostable, or dissolvable packaging solutions derived from sustainable sources for products packaged in sachets and/or rigid […]
In India, a leather alternative made from algae and food and fiber waste has won the runner-up James Dyson Award for India, having been narrowly squeezed out of the top spot by a reusable EpiPen. Dubbed Kudarat, the animal-free leather is waterproof, compostable, and antimicrobial. It was created by textile designer Divya Verma of the […]
In the United Kingdom, R.E.M. front man Michael Stipe is set to release a solo single that will be the world’s first widely available bioplastic vinyl. Called Future if Future, the song will be included on a limited run of 500 vinyl records manufactured by London’s Evolution Music. The single will also be available digitally, […]
In Arizona, tire major Bridgestone has announced it will invest another $42 million—on top of the over $100 million it has already spent—to commercialize natural rubber from the guayule desert shrub by 2030 and achieve 100% renewable tires by 2050. The funds will establish planting and harvesting guayule at scale. Bridgestone will also collaborate and […]
In Vancouver, a new company hopes to make your weekends and retirement a bit greener with biodegradable golf balls made from corn starch and PVA coating. Imaginatively named Biodegradable Golf Balls, the company says in a press statement that its balls dissolve within a couple of weeks—unlike the several hundred thousand golf balls that disappear […]
