In Australia, researchers at Flinders University are leading a team of international researchers in developing biodegradable plastics based on calcium caseinate—a protein derived from milk—combined with starch, bentonite nanoclay, glycerol and polyvinyl alcohol. The team has developed a thin film that, in early tests, appears to steadily break down in soil, with full disintegration in […]
In South Korea, startup SeaWith has struck a supply deal with the United Kingdom’s 3D Bio-Tissues that could slash the cost of its cultivated beef by 30%. Price remains the biggest hurdle for consumer adoption in South Korea, where surveys show most citizens are open to trying lab-grown meat but reluctant to pay a premium. […]
In Utah, Bucks N Bull Skulls is using bioplastic polylactic acid filament to 3-D print animal skulls for mounting antlers – an alternative that is decidedly less gross than pressure washing, acid baths, and beetle colonies for stripping skulls of dead flesh. The skulls take 15 to 50 hours to print, depending on the species […]
In the Netherlands, cultivated meat pioneer Meatable has failed to secure sufficient funding and is winding down operations. The company had been operating a 200-L bioreactor at a facility in Leiden. The announcement came from Agronomics, a Meatable investor, which said a review of strategic options concluded an “orderly wind-down” of the business was the […]
In Finland, sustainable acoustics products firm Aisti has received a €20 million (US$23.4 million) loan from the European Investment Bank to scale production of biobased panels in Finland. Made out of wood fiber, Aisti’s acoustic tiles are a sustainable alternative to traditional ceiling panels, which contain mineral fibers and release potentially harmful particles into indoor […]
In the Netherlands, dairy proteins startup Those Vegan Cowboys has raised €6.25 million (US$7.3 million) to bring animal-free casein to the US market in 2026. The protein is produced via precision fermentation using cells from Margaret, the company’s cow. Growing cells from Margaret has a much lower environmental footprint and is more humane that factory […]
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 […]
