Author Archive: Rebecca Gendron

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Apple plans recycled and renewable materials push

Apple plans recycled and renewable materials push

October 4, 2021 |

In California, Apple has announced environmental targets including its intention to eliminate mining and use recycled and renewable materials in its products.  The announcement follows a comprehensive evaluation of its supply chain, which includes 45 elements and raw materials. Based on impact profiles, Apple is prioritizing efforts to move these materials to a circular model. […]

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Plant-based medication blister packs set to debut in Canada

Plant-based medication blister packs set to debut in Canada

October 4, 2021 |

In Vancouver, medication packaging company Jones Healthcare Group has partnered with good natured products to deliver biobased blister packaging for medications.  The companies say that the biobased polyethylene terephthalate used to make the packaging is curbside recyclable as well as food safe. The packaging will be available in Canada.  “Together with good natured®, we are […]

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Cargill to acquire Arkema’s biobased epoxides business

Cargill to acquire Arkema’s biobased epoxides business

October 4, 2021 |

In Minnesota, ag giant Cargill has announced it will acquire Arkema’s biobased epoxides business located in Blooming Prairie. The facility produces epoxides by combining soybean oil and other vegetable oils with hydrogen peroxide. The specialty epoxides are key components for Cargill’s existing portfolio of biobased plasticizers and polyols, which are used to make products such […]

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Wee “dram” of whiskey waste can help recover valuable metals from electronics

Wee “dram” of whiskey waste can help recover valuable metals from electronics

October 4, 2021 |

In Scotland, a research consortium has found that a filtration system comprised of whiskey coproducts can be used to recover scrap metals from old electronics.  The group, made up of environmental tech company SEM, Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Scotland, University of Edinburgh, and the Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre, calls the system “Dram.”  Dram first […]

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Bee-lieve it: MeliBio set to launch fermentation-based honey

Bee-lieve it: MeliBio set to launch fermentation-based honey

October 4, 2021 |

In San Francisco, synthetic biology company MeliBio has held a private tasting event for what it claims to be the world’s first bee-free honey.  The Berkeley-based company produces honey molecularly identical to the yummy vomit generated by bees. Green Queen’s Alessandra Franco, who was among the lucky few to score a sample, said MeliBio’s product […]

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Perfect Day raises $350 million, plans to add tech development arm

Perfect Day raises $350 million, plans to add tech development arm

October 4, 2021 |

In Berkeley, California, animal-free milk protein producer Perfect Day has closed a $350 million Series D investment round. The company says it will use the funds to expand its focus across biological engineering, ingredient innovation, and consumer products.  The round, co-led by Temasek and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments), included participation from Disney […]

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I’m Lovin’ It: McDonald’s to overhaul Happy Meal toys

I’m Lovin’ It: McDonald’s to overhaul Happy Meal toys

September 27, 2021 |

In Chicago, McDonald has announced that it is phasing out fossil fuel-based plastic from its Happy Meal toys in more than 100 countries as it transitions to mostly recycled and renewable plastics and sustainable fibers by 2025.  Specifically, it aims to reduce the use of traditional plastics by 90% compared to 2018. The company is […]

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Volvo is ditching leather interiors for recycled and biobased materials

Volvo is ditching leather interiors for recycled and biobased materials

September 27, 2021 |

In Sweden, automaker Volvo Cars has declared it will go leather free in its 100% electric cars and will transition away from animal leather completely by 2030.   “Being a progressive car maker means we need to address all areas of sustainability, not just CO2 emissions,” said Stuart Templar, director of global sustainability at Volvo Cars, […]

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“Timbs” is the latest major shoe brand to add biobased content

“Timbs” is the latest major shoe brand to add biobased content

September 27, 2021 |

In Colorado, popular boot brand Timberland has announced a new line of shoes featuring a sole with 75% biobased content. Dubbed GreenStride, the soles were in development for a year and a half, and the biobased content can be attributed to renewable sugarcane and natural rubber.  The new soles will be available in three styles […]

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Living plant lamps may be on the horizon thanks to MIT

Living plant lamps may be on the horizon thanks to MIT

September 27, 2021 |

In Boston, engineers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have created light-emitting, rechargeable plants that are ten times brighter than the light-emitting, rechargeable plants they created in 2017.  The researchers say the outside-the-box solution to home lighting could lower your electricity bills, as well as your carbon footprint.  “We wanted to create a light-emitting plant […]

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