In California, Mattel has vowed that its popular Matchbox cars will be made from 100% recycled, recyclable or biobased materials by 2030. In addition to new materials, Mattel will also design the cars to reflect the shift to more sustainable mobility. Electric and hybrid vehicle models will be added to the fun-size fleet, as well […]
In Germany, sneaker giant adidas will soon introduce a sneaker in its popular Stan Smith line that incorporates mushroom-based leather. First launched in 1965, the lifestyle sneaker is named after the retired tennis superstar and is among the brand’s most popular and recognizable designs. The new Stan Smith Mylo uses Mylo vegan leather manufactured by […]
In New York, the well-known promenade outside the MET opera and Juilliard will be made into a green space this summer using partially biobased faux turf. Also known as the Josie Robertson Plaza, the 14,000 square foot space will be called The GREEN. The grass-like material is produced by SYN Lawn using soy raw material. […]
In Peru, a new soap ingredient has been developed for washing clothes in rivers and streams that actually cleans up pollution instead of adding to it. Creative agency Fahrenheit DDB and bottled water company Andea conceived and developed the probiotic technology and founded a startup, Cirsys, to manufacture and sell it to detergent brands. The […]
In Ukraine, a design firm has developed faux fur made from hemp fibers. DevoHome created the fabric by weaving organic hemp fiber and viscose with organic cotton. “The whole world is protesting against animal fur and then started protesting against synthetic fur, which is made of chemical and petroleum products. So, by creating plant-based fur, […]
In Spain, a consortium of researchers is looking to convert avocado waste into shelf-life-extending food packaging. Dubbed Guacapack Project, the work is being funded by Valencian Innovation Agency and led by ITC Packaging. Aimplas Plastics Technology Centre and Universidad de Alicante’s research group on Polymer and Nanomaterial Analysis are also participating. “The project is expected […]
In London, two graduates of Central Saint Martins art school have created building tiles from Japanese knotweed and American signal crayfish shells. Brigitte Kock and Irene Roca Moracia chose the two raw materials because they are among the most pernicious invasive species in the UK and their removal improves biodiversity. Japanese knotweed can grow into […]
In Uganda, a startup is converting banana waste into fibers that can be used in everyday items like carpets and hair extensions. Dubbed TexFad, the company manufactures biodegradable products from the bulky trunks of banana plants that are normally burnt or thrown away by farmers. “When I looked around I saw that bananas grow abundantly […]
In the United Kingdom, rumors are suggesting that funeral plans for Prince Phillip, who died on April 9, will honor the Queen consort’s ecological activism by using a biodegradable coffin made of wool. Produced by textile company A.W. Hainsworth, the “Natural Legacy” coffins consist of wool fitted around a cardboard frame reinforced with base board. […]
In Ravenna, Italy, Mario Cucinella Architects has used massive 3-D printers and dirt to create a house in what could be an inexpensive and sustainable solution for homelessness. The 645-square-foot domed domicile—dubbed Tecla for “TEChnology and CLay”—took over 200 hours to “print.” Firm founder Mario Cucinella tells Fast Company that replacing concrete with dirt greatly […]
