In Brazil, two designers have created a bike from natural fibers and plant-based glue that is lighter and stronger than conventional aluminum bikes. Guilherme Pella and Nicolas Rutzen use laser-cutting technology and lattice structural patterns from natural fibers to produce the frame for the bike, which they call Astan. By following the natural grain of […]
In New York, a startup founded by two college students has received a $1.7-million boost from billionaire Mark Cuban and others to expand production of single-use cups based on polylactic acid. The milestone was an early and unlikely victory for Earth Brands, which was founded in 2019 by Michael Medvedev and Peter Frelinghuysen to address […]
In London, a vegan perfume formulated to smell like bacon sold out in 20 minutes. The Valentine’s Day publicity stunt, orchestrated by alternative meat company THIS, was based on research that showed UK consumers ranked bacon as one of the sexiest scents. Enthusiasm outpaced their expectations, however; Eau Du Isn’t Bacon had an extremely limited […]
In Ascension Parish, Louisiana, biobased materials firm Origin Materials is planning to build its second manufacturing plant. Although the project is still subject to finalization of an economic incentives package, Origin says the plant, dubbed Origin 2, would produce biobased chloromethyl furfural, a precursor to high-volume plastic polyethylene terephthalate. The 150-acre facility would create an […]
In Georgia, artificial grass maker SYNLawn—known for using biobased ingredients, such as soy and sugarcane—has developed a line of turf specifically for Bocce. Called SYNPro, the Bocce Ball Court System is available for commercial and residential installations. “Since more and more people want to spend time outdoors, we have seen an increase in the popularity […]
In Japan, popular watch brand Casio has launched a new watch line that incorporates materials made from castor seeds and corn. The PRO TREK PRW-61Y series uses bioplastics in its band and case back and is targeted for the outdoorsy consumer. The partially biobased timepiece is available in khaki, all-black, and silver dial versions. Each […]
In Singapore, ex-Beatle Paul McCartney has participated in a $100-million series A funding round for Next Gen Foods, the alternative protein company behind plant-based chicken, TiNDLE. MPL Ventures, McCartney’s investment firm, joined Alpha JWC, EDBI, Temasek’s Asia Sustainable Food Platform, GGV Capital, K3 Ventures and Bits x Bites in the fund raise. TiNDLE will […]
In Colorado, alternative protein pet food startup Bond Pet Foods has added Australian singer Sia to its stable of investors. Founded in 2017, Bond Pet Foods has been using ingredients like pea protein and peanut butter to make plant-based dog food, and recently moved into cultivated meat. It has claimed the world’s first cultured chicken […]
In Kansas, a company called Human Plant Solutions has developed lower-extremity prosthetics using a hemp fibers. The company was cofounded in 2017 by medical device entrepreneur Sam Spallitta and prosthetic technician Kyle Trivisonno after the two met at a hemp conference. The company is using hemp yarn sourced from China and automated knitting equipment […]
In Vancouver, high-end athleisure brand Lululemon has begun selling two products made from Bolt Thread’s mushroom-based material. The offering includes the Meditation and Yoga Mat Bag, a 3-in-1 yoga mat bag that doubles as a floor mat and can be carried rolled up or folded in half, and the Barrel Duffel Bag. Adding sustainability to […]
