In Germany, luxury automaker Mercedes-Benz has partnered with biobased fiber producer AMSilk to demonstrate the potential for renewable materials in high-end automotive interiors. Specifically, Mercedes is using AMSilk’s Biosteel fiber in the door pulls of its VISION EQXX concept electric car, which is intended to “[reveal] a way forward for luxury design that conserves […]
In Berlin, designer Youyang Song has developed a 100% biodegradable leather alternative from banana peels and algae. Dubbed PEELSPHERE, the material was formulated to replace both animal and synthetic leathers made from petroleum. The new material is waterproof and pliable, and can be soft or hard, depending on end product needs. “I’m passionate about biomaterial […]
In Singapore, scientists at Nanyang Technological University and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health have jointly developed biodegradable food packaging that also extends the shelf life of fruit. The material is made by electrospinning cellulose, natural antimicrobial compounds, acetic acid and zein—a waste product of converting corn into ethanol. By releasing tiny amounts […]
In Portugal, University of Lisbon spinout Algae2Fish has received funding to advance cultivated seabass. The unspecified funds from the Good Food Institute will be used to first cultivate seabass cells and then develop a process to 3D print those cells into boneless filets on a scaffolding made of algae and other plant-based materials. “At this […]
In Thailand, architect Boonserm Premthada has won the designboom social impact Design Prize for developing bricks made from elephant dung. Made in the Thai village of ban ta klang—an area known for having many domesticated elephants—the bricks are just the first step in promoting the use of elephant dung, Premthada tells Design Boom. “With potentials […]
In Italy, design firm ZM Design Lab has created 100% biodegradable lamps using 3D printing and wood-based plastic filament. The green gadget is called Puddy, a nod to both the lamp’s physical resemblance and reliability. “’Paddy’ recalls the iconic conical hat that rice farmers wear in Southeast Asia, to serve as protection from rain or […]
In the UK, agribusiness giant Cargill has agreed to acquire Croda’s performance technologies and industrial chemicals for €915 million (USD$1 billion) in a deal that dramatically expands Cargill’s footprint in bioindustrial applications. Cargill will gain nearly 1,000 employees globally, production facilities spread across Europe and Asia, and a “strong technology portfolio” that supports leading market […]
In North Carolina, AlgiKnit, a producer of seaweed-based yarn, has opened a production facility at Research Triangle for piloting innovations in partnership with major fashion brands. The new site centralizes AlgiKnit’s R&D, manufacturing, and business development. “We know consumers need more cost-competitive, environmentally-sound material options that perform as well as conventional materials,” says Aaron Nesser, […]
In the Netherlands, chemical company Hexion Inc has said it will expand production of biobased epichlorohydrin to meet growing demand in epoxies. The planned expansion will add 25,000 metric tons of annual capacity at Pernis, Netherlands using renewable glycerin as feedstock. The investment will also support the reduction in overall energy intensity of epichlorohydrin production […]
In New York, newly launched Ark Biotech is preparing for cultivated meat’s next big cost hurdle: infrastructure. More specifically, the company is developing equipment and software that will enable cultivated meat firms to move from pilot plants into larger-scale production. McKinsey & Co. recently predicted the cultivated meat market to be worth $25 billion by […]
