In the Netherlands, Mevaldi B.V. has successfully closed a funding round with High-Tech Gründerfonds and ICIG Ventures, the investment arm of International Chemical Investors Group. Founded in 2020, Mevaldi is pioneering a bio-thermocatalytic process to produce 3-methyl-1,5-pentanediol—a versatile chemical used in coatings, adhesives, and elastomers. The investment, which includes both equity and a working capital […]
In Michigan, Ecovia-Bio has commissioned a new facility for biobased production of polyglutamic acid and its derivatives. PGA is often described as nature’s thickener. It is suitable for cosmetics, agriculture, and even as a replacement for synthetic polyacrylates in diapers. Many regions of the world are banning the use of synthetic polyacrylates in some applications […]
In France, flavor and fragrance giant IFF has inaugurated a €10 million (US$11.7 million) expansion at its LMR Naturals site in Grasse. The facility develops natural ingredients for perfumers. The expansion increases the facility’s footprint by 75% and includes a state-of-the-art pilot hall designed to accelerate the development of new natural ingredients. The upgraded site […]
In Colorado, Cascade Bio has secured $6 million to expand production of biocatalysts that cut costs and unlock biobased production. The funding includes a $2.8M seed round led by Endurance28 with participation from Stray Dog Capital, 1Flourish, Range Ventures, 10VC, and Amplify, as well as $3.2 million in nondilutive funding from the U.S. National Science […]
In Missouri, the multinational behind Tums has partnered with Pretium Packaging and LyondellBasell to create a biobased bottle for the antacid. At the recent Packaging Recycling Summit, the companies detailed how the material cuts the carbon footprint of the brand by about 70% and does not impact performance or appearance. The specific biobased material was […]
In Germany, Mercedes-Benz’s GLC model has become the first car to have an interior certified by the Vegan Society. Vegan materials were used throughout the car’s interior, including seats, headliner, pillar, door panels, and carpet. While the origin of the MB-Tex materials used for the optional interior package were not disclosed, the company has previously […]
In Boca Raton, the Auto Sport Florida group has acquired a wooden replica of the original Bentley Continental GT, with sculpted wood being used even for tiny details like controls, gauges, and speakers. Constructed in Belgium, the at scale model uses marine-grade teak. Even the wheels, brake discs, and lug bolts are made from wood. […]
In London, bioplastic electric toothbrush maker Suri has updated its original product with a pressure sensor, quieter motor and wireless charger. Like its first-generation model, Suri 2.0 works with bioplastic brush heads that can be sent back to the company for recycling. Suri’s first product hit the market in 2022, winning the public vote for […]
In the Netherlands, biotech firm NoPalm Ingredients has signed an agreement with NIZO Food Research to set up a demonstration-scale factory for its fermentation-based oils process technology at NIZO’s Ede food innovation campus. The facility will be the first time NoPalm Ingredients will run its full processes for producing sustainable palm and other tropical oil […]
In Switzerland, Jungbunzlauer, a leader in sustainable ingredients from natural sources, has signed a binding and definitive agreement to acquire the multipurpose production site in Thomson, IL from International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc. “This acquisition is an important step in delivering on our strategic capacity expansion in North America,” said Bruno Tremblay, Chief Executive Officer […]
