In Germany, UPM has reached a milestone at its wood-based chemicals biorefinery in Leuna, Germany: stable process separation of lignin and sugars. This critical step is a prerequisite for conversion of sugars to renewable glycols and lignin to renewable functional fillers. Earlier this year, the company successfully launched the hydrothermal breakdown of wood at the […]
In Estonia, ÄIO, a biotechnology company developing sustainable, non-animal fats and oils via fermentation, has been awarded a €1.2 million (US$1.4 million) grant from Enterprise Estonia to advance its new FERM-OIL project. Over the next three years, the project will take ÄIO’s Flavoured Fat, a lipid-rich yeast biomass with umami taste and functional mouthfeel, from […]
In Dubai, long-haul Emirates passengers flying Premium Economy or Economy Class will receive free amenity kits in a biobased bag containing plant-powered Aveda skincare products and information cards that highlight endangered species. “For the first time since its introduction in 2021, Emirates’ Premium Economy class will have its own unique amenity kit bag with a […]
In the United Arab Emirates, the start of 2026 also ushers in a new era of eco-friendly packaging: starting January 1, the UAE will enforce a nationwide ban on plastic beverage cups, lids, cutlery, food containers, and straws, as part of its escalating campaign against single-use plastics. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment confirmed […]
In New York, A-list star Natalie Portman has signed on to promote leather alternatives developed and manufactured by Uncaged Innovations. Portman, a long-standing advocate for animal welfare and ethical consumerism, will work with the company to promote the adoption of sustainable, animal-free materials within the luxury and fashion sectors. Founded by Stephanie Downs and biomaterials […]
In Prague, BeneMeat, a cultivated meat company targeting pet food, revealed that 90% of dog owners participating in a 25-country “Try & Share” lab-grown dog treat trial report that their dogs enjoyed the “treatos.” The trial, which is on its third month, also revealed 85% of respondents would buy the treats were they on the […]
In Ohio, Locus Fermentation Solutions has closed an oversubscribed, $20-million investment in a convertible note round at an equity valuation of $100 million. The capital will be used to expand the company’s domestic biomanufacturing capacity, accelerate commercial activities and product development across four strategic sectors: oil & gas, mining, agriculture, and industrial/consumer profit goods formulations. […]
In South Africa, Esse Skincare, a leader in skincare products focused on the microbiome, has signed a deal to purchase biobased propionic acid from France’s Afyren. Propionic acid is a naturally occurring short chain fatty acid essential for maintaining a balanced skin microbiome. Emerging research suggests it helps modulate inflammation, support barrier resilience, and maintain […]
In Brazil, leading specialty chemicals company Nouryon has broken ground on a new customer experience and innovation center in Brazil for its home and personal care business. The Itupeva facility will help Nouryon work with customers to formulate more effective and sustainable cleaning and personal care products, including fully biobased chelates for cleaning applications and […]
In Finland, UPM has introduced the world’s first biobased, near-infrared detectable, carbon-negative black pigment. Dubbed UPM Circular Renewable Black, the pigment will enable premium packaging solutions that “combine design excellence with full recyclability and a strong sustainability performance.” For years, black packaging has been associated with recycling challenges as the conventionally used pigments are made […]
