In Germany, researchers at Georg August University have created a process to turn popcorn into a polystyrene foam alternative for building insulation. Forest Sciences professor Alireza Kharazipour and his team create the material by shredding and pressure-steaming corn to expand or “pop” it. A plant-based protein is then used to bind the material, which is […]
In South Korea, LG Chem and GS Caltex have signed a joint development deal for a fermentation-based production process for hydroxypropionic acid (3HP). The goal is to accelerate 3HP development by combining LG Chem’s fermentation know-how with GS Caltex’s process facility technologies. The 3HP will be produced using glucose or glycerol. The two companies […]
In California, startup New Culture has raised $25 million as it works to make good on its promise of putting a better animal-free mozzarella on Bay Area slices in 2022. The funds will be used to add production capacity and staff. Unlike vegan mozzarellas that attempt to mimic the melty goodness of cheese through creative […]
In Chicago, agribusiness giant ADM has acquired Serbia’s Sojaprotein, a leading provider of non-GMO soy ingredients, for an undisclosed sum. Founded in 1977, Sojaprotein produces vegetable protein ingredients for customers in the meat alternative, confectionary, protein bar, pharmaceutical, pet food, and animal feed segments. It recorded $100 million in sales in 2020 and exported to […]
In Vancouver, online publication Yanko Design has done a deep dive on cork, the spongey bark material most often associated with wine. The extensive list of innovative uses demonstrate the design community’s interest in cork’s unique properties and point to growing use of cork in everyday life. Designers Ivo Erichsen and Tobbias Bihlmeyer present probably […]
In Mexico, Adidas is using a cactus-based leather alternative in a new line of boxing gloves. The material, called Desserto, uses prickly pear cactus as feedstock and was invented in 2019 by Adrian Lopez and Marte Cazarez. The Adidas gloves are part of a new Tilt 350 boxing glove design that aims to better protect […]
In London, fashion brand Auroboros has designed a “living” concept dress from salt and recycled plastic that grows, changes color and shape in response to conditions, and will eventually fall apart. The dress, called Biomimicry, is being worn by a robot at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London as part of London Design Week. […]
In Paris, iconic luxury brand Louis Vuitton has introduced a unisex sneaker made from 90% recycled and biobased materials. The pricey kicks, named Charlie, feature an upper made from Biopoliolo, a corn based plastic; a tongue patch made of Econyl biobased nylon; a sole made almost entirely of recycled rubber; and laces with recycled fiber. […]
In New Hampshire, popular urban boot brand Timberland has launched an eyewear line that uses biobased materials and plants trees for every purchase. Available in both corrective frames and sunglasses, the shades are relatively affordable as far as the category goes. A sporty pair in a panto shape will set you back $130 and […]
In Finland, a lignin-based material developed by Stora Enso for use in lithium-ion batteries has won the prestigious Metsä360 award. Dubbed Lignode, the material is made using a pulp mill byproduct from Stora Enso’s Sunila Mill site at Kotka, Finland. Because lithium-ion batteries are a high-tech application with potential in many markets, the innovation represents […]
