Author Archive: Rebecca Gendron

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Bono-backed biotech bags $45-million Series B

Bono-backed biotech bags $45-million Series B

November 16, 2021 |

In Dublin, a biotech firm that counts U2 rockers Bono and The Edge among its early backers has raised an additional $45 million. Nuritas aims to launch its first two products—a peptide for skin health first identified in peas and a muscle health peptide found in fava beans—in 2022. The Series B funding brings its […]

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First results from DHL Freight Bio-LNG pilot shows 85% CO2 reduction

First results from DHL Freight Bio-LNG pilot shows 85% CO2 reduction

November 16, 2021 |

In Germany, DHL Freight started piloting a Bio-LNG solution (Bio-Liquefied Natural Gas from sustainable biomass) with Shell on three haulier trucks in June 2021 to sustainably reduce CO2 emissions in road freight transport for DHL’s customer Grundfos. In the first five months, the volume of Bio-LNG lifted has reduced 87 tons of CO2 eq. This […]

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Large, cultivated meat facility opens in California 

Large, cultivated meat facility opens in California 

November 10, 2021 |

In California, UPSIDE Foods has opened a cultivated meat engineering, production and innovation center in Emeryville. Dubbed EPIC, the center can annually produce over 50,000 pounds of finished product, which includes ground or whole cuts of meat, poultry or seafood, and can be expanded to reach 400,000 lbs of output.  “Today, our team at UPSIDE […]

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Dutch capital declares biobased construction minimums

Dutch capital declares biobased construction minimums

November 10, 2021 |

The city of Amsterdam has declared mandates for new housing to use biobased materials, beginning in 2025.  Called Green Deal Timber Construction, all 32 municipalities within the greater Amsterdam region have signed the legislation.  The goal is to reduce the significant carbon dioxide emissions associated with steel and concrete in line with the city’s target […]

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Startup steps up to commercialize biobased acrylics

Startup steps up to commercialize biobased acrylics

November 10, 2021 |

In Illinois, a startup has officially launched using catalyst technology developed by the University of Minnesota that converts corn-derived lactic acid into acrylics.  Called Låkril Technologies, the company says the technology cuts carbon dioxide emissions by 35% compared to petroleum-based acrylics and is also cost-competitive. “Bio-based acrylics have long been sought by producers and end […]

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Banana suits, biobased evening gowns on display in Amsterdam

Banana suits, biobased evening gowns on display in Amsterdam

November 10, 2021 |

In Amsterdam, an exhibit organized by Fashion for Good is showcasing a fashion future that is both stylish and sustainable thanks to materials innovation.  The “Grow” exhibit, which opened recently, features textile samples made from cotton, kapok fibers, wood pulp, banana fibers and orange peels.  It also includes the results of design partnerships facilitated by […]

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Good chemis-tree: Dutch project pursues cultivated wood 

Good chemis-tree: Dutch project pursues cultivated wood 

November 10, 2021 |

In the Netherlands, startup Geneusbiotech has partnered with the University of Amsterdam to create 3D printable wood without cutting down any trees.  The Teredine Project involves growing plant cells in growing medium into a material with wood-like texture. The goal is to create cells that can then be suspended in hydrogel and 3D printed.  Geneusbiotech […]

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Wine not? Scandinavian fashion brand plans grape leather shoe line

Wine not? Scandinavian fashion brand plans grape leather shoe line

November 10, 2021 |

In Denmark, luxury streetwear fashion brand Ganni has vowed to stop using animal leather by 2023 and is planning a line of shoes based on Vegea, a leather alternative made from grape waste.  The line will include “chunky loafers,” flip flops, and sliders. “We’re phasing out leather completely by 2023, as it conflicts with our […]

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Single-use spa underwear gets the sustainability treatment

Single-use spa underwear gets the sustainability treatment

November 10, 2021 |

A German brand has launched a plant-based version of the notoriously unsubstantial disposable undies spas provide for nearly-nude treatments like body scrubs and massages.  Called Zero Waste, Urb’n Nature makes the scanty skivvies from cellulose fibers and cotton. The line is fully compostable, available for both sexes, and includes thongs, boxers, briefs, and tank tops.  […]

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PUMA to launch biodegradability pilot for sustainable sneakerheads

PUMA to launch biodegradability pilot for sustainable sneakerheads

November 10, 2021 |

In Germany, PUMA is piloting a biodegradable version of its SUEDE sneaker, which is one of its most recognizable styles.  Dubbed RE:SUEDE, the shoe is made from Zeology tanned suede, thermoplastic elastomers, and hemp fibers.  Just 500 will be manufactured and shipped in January. Pilot participants will wear RE:SUEDE for six months and then send […]

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