Author Archive: Rebecca Gendron

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CJ Biomaterials, Yuhan-Kimberly launch reusable, plant-based paper towel

CJ Biomaterials, Yuhan-Kimberly launch reusable, plant-based paper towel

May 11, 2026 |

In Massachusetts, polyhydroxyalkanoate biopolymers producer CJ Biomaterials and South Korea’s Yuhan-Kimberly have launched the world’s first biodegradable and reusable nonwoven paper towel made with amorphous PHA. Now available in South Korea, the Kleenex® Biodegradable Reusable Dishtowel features CJ’s proprietary PHACT™ A1000P.  The material is derived from sustainably grown, plant-based raw materials including sugarcane. Yuhan-Kimberly combined […]

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GAIA BioMaterials bags patent for PLA-free plastic

GAIA BioMaterials bags patent for PLA-free plastic

May 11, 2026 |

In Sweden, GAIA BioMaterials has received final confirmation on the approval of its European patent for polylactic acid-free film extrusion materials. Originally filed back in 2020, the patent covers a new and innovative line of compounds that don’t rely on PLA for its properties. Instead, it substitutes the PLA with a unique blend of biodegradable […]

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IARPA seeks biodegradable drone components that lift off, then leave no trace

IARPA seeks biodegradable drone components that lift off, then leave no trace

April 27, 2026 |

In Maryland, Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity is seeking information on potential biodegradable components for unmanned aerial vehicle propulsion systems. The Request for Information singles out turbines, motors and engine components that would biodegrade under UV or in water.  The IARPA RFI follows a successful demonstration by Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency of structural drone […]

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Bezos Earth Fund awards $10 million to Berkeley team for compost-based fibers

Bezos Earth Fund awards $10 million to Berkeley team for compost-based fibers

April 27, 2026 |

In California, Bezos Earth Fund has awarded $10 million to a team of University of California-Berkley researchers to develop fabrics made from compost but inspired by spider silk. Such fabrics would help address the 92 million tons of textile waste generated by the fashion industry annually. Project lead Ting Xu calls the process waste to […]

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Sweet deal: Pentasweet raises €65 million for brazzein production

Sweet deal: Pentasweet raises €65 million for brazzein production

April 27, 2026 |

In Lithuania, Pentasweet has raised €65 million (US$76.3 million) to build Europe’s first sweet protein production facility. The facility will produce brazzein, a protein that is 1,500 times sweeter than sugar, and is expected to begin production in the first half of next year.  Naturally found in a fruit that grows in Central and West Africa, […]

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Naturbeads awarded €4.1 million for cellulose microbeads

Naturbeads awarded €4.1 million for cellulose microbeads

April 27, 2026 |

In Italy, cellulose-based microbeads firm Naturbeads has received €4.1 million (US$4.8 million) in funding from the European Structural Fund. The €4.1 million will be used to partially reimburse Naturbeads for the construction of a new production plant in Puglia as well as support R&D costs while it gears up to full commercialization over the next two […]

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Funding fix: Europe creates Bioeconomy Investment Group

Funding fix: Europe creates Bioeconomy Investment Group

April 27, 2026 |

In Europe, a new Bioeconomy Investment Group has been assembled to help Europe’s sustainable industries secure the funding they need to grow. The group aims to reduce financial risks for investors, create clear funding standards, and bring together public and private money. Despite already supporting 17 million jobs and generating up to €2.7 trillion (US$3.17 […]

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Foamlab: €3 Million Raised To Scale Bio-Based Foam Materials And Build Pilot Plant

Foamlab: €3 Million Raised To Scale Bio-Based Foam Materials And Build Pilot Plant

April 27, 2026 |

In the Netherlands, a company developing biobased foam materials has raised €3 million ($US3.5 million) to scale production. Foamlab B.V. said it will use the funds to build a pilot plant to convert cellulose to suitable replacements for petroleum-based foams. The round included participation from Icos Capital, Value Factory Ventures, DOEN Ventures, Capricorn Industrial Biotech Fund, […]

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Afyren secures €3 million for plant buyout

Afyren secures €3 million for plant buyout

April 27, 2026 |

In France, biobased carboxylic acids producer Afyren has received a €3 million (US$3.5 million) grant from the Grand Est Region through the European Just Transition Fund. The funds will contribute to financing the company’s recent buyout of its AFYREN NEOXY plant, now 100% owned by Afyren after the company completed a full buyout of its […]

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Ryonier announces strategic review, plans to double down on renewables

Ryonier announces strategic review, plans to double down on renewables

April 27, 2026 |

In Florida,  Rayonier Advanced Materials, a major producer of biobased cellulose products, has announced a comprehensive review of strategic alternatives as the company positions itself to capture rising global demand for renewable materials. The Jacksonville‑based manufacturer, whose cellulose specialties are used in everything from pharmaceuticals to high‑performance plastics, said it has hired Morgan Stanley as […]

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