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 […]
In the Netherlands, the president of a climate change and inequality action group is huffing and puffing over the stigma associated with biobased building materials because of the children’s fable The Three Little Pigs. James Drinkwater, head of Built Environment at the Laudes Foundation, tells dezeen the story suggests straw and wood are inferior […]
In France, architecture firm lemoal lemoal has built what it claims to be the world’s first carbon-negative building, thanks in large part to the carbon-sequestering power of hemp. The 4,000 square foot Pierre Chevet sports hall in Croissy-Beaubourg was constructed using Hempcrete, a construction alternative that incorporates fast-growing, water-efficient hemp and has advantageous insulation, acoustic […]
In New York, a consortium is developing hemp-based ink for use in 3D-printed construction applications. Black Buffalo 3D, a supplier of 3D printers and inks to the construction industry; Alquist, a company using 3D printing in construction; and industrial hemp maker Revive Hemp Industries, announced their collaboration with the goal of creating greener alternatives for […]
In Nepal, the ubiquitous prayer flags associated with the region’s Buddhist traditions are now available in natural, biodegradable materials as the country looks to reduce plastic waste. Colorful prayer flags, dubbed Lung ta, are often affixed to Himalayan summits, pilgrimage sites, temples, and mediation spaces. It is believed that wind spreads blessings and goodwill from […]
