Author Archive: Rebecca Gendron

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Creature comforts: Emirates unveils biobased amenity bags featuring endangered species

Creature comforts: Emirates unveils biobased amenity bags featuring endangered species

December 22, 2025 |

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 […]

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UAE ban on single-use plastics expected to lift PLA demand

UAE ban on single-use plastics expected to lift PLA demand

December 22, 2025 |

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 […]

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Lights, Camera, Compassion: Natalie Portman promotes Uncaged Innovations’ cruelty-free leather  alternative

Lights, Camera, Compassion: Natalie Portman promotes Uncaged Innovations’ cruelty-free leather  alternative

December 15, 2025 |

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 […]

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Time for snackies! Dogs love BeneMeat’s cultivated meat treats

Time for snackies! Dogs love BeneMeat’s cultivated meat treats

December 15, 2025 |

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 […]

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Locus Fermentation Solutions raises $20 million

Locus Fermentation Solutions raises $20 million

December 15, 2025 |

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. […]

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Esse Skincare taps Afyren for microbiome-boosting, biobased propionic acid

Esse Skincare taps Afyren for microbiome-boosting, biobased propionic acid

December 15, 2025 |

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 […]

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Nouryon breaks ground on Brazil sustainable ingredients innovation center

Nouryon breaks ground on Brazil sustainable ingredients innovation center

December 15, 2025 |

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 […]

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UPM launches UPM Circular Renewable Black

UPM launches UPM Circular Renewable Black

December 15, 2025 |

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 […]

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Michelin, IFPEN, and Axens report progress on biobased butadiene project

Michelin, IFPEN, and Axens report progress on biobased butadiene project

December 15, 2025 |

In France, Michelin, IFPEN, and Axens have announced that they have progressed their BioButterfy R&D project for scaling the production of butadiene from biobased ethanol. The industrial demonstrator launched in July 2023 in Bassens and “confirmed the robustness of the process using both first and second-generation bioethanol,” the companies said in a press statement. The […]

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Believer Meats ends operations

Believer Meats ends operations

December 15, 2025 |

In Chicago, cultivated meat startup Believer Meats has wound down operations. According to vegconomist, the news was announced in a LinkedIn post authored by Anne Schubert, Global Vice President of Talent & Human Resources at Believer Meats. No reason was given, although AgFunder recently published news that the company that built its US facility was […]

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