In California, Buscar Company, a diversified holding company focused on natural resources and sustainable energy, has acquired a 50% stake in hemp bioplastics makter Terramer through a strategic stock swap transaction. Terramer has developed TERBO-1000, a proprietary hemp-based bioplastic that is 100% biodegradable within 180 days and leaves no microplastic residue. The company operates a […]
In China, biobased materials company Covation Biomaterials is set to launch CovationBio bioPTMEG, a biobased polytetramethylene ether glycol. BioPTMEG is a biobased alternative to petroleum-based PTMEG, helping customers reduce their reliance on non-renewable materials and maintain the durability and resilience expected of spandex, polyurethanes and thermoplastic elastomers. Feedstock is 100% biobased and obtained from annually […]
In Connecticut, a manufacturer of cow manure-based seed starters made a lucrative deal on a recent episode of the popular ABC entrepreneur showcase, Shark Tank. During the episode, CowPot founder Amanda Freund successfully pitched the biodegradable poop plant pots, ultimately negotiating a $200,000 investment in exchange for a 20% stake with veteran Shark, Kevin O’Leary. […]
In Colorado, researchers at the ATLAS Institute have created biodegradable press-on nails made from algae agar and chitosan sourced seashells. Dubbed Bio-e-Nails, the University of Colorado group said the customizable press-on nails can also be reshaped multiple times. “With Bio-e-Nails, there can be a second life, a third life, a fourth life,” said lead developer […]
In Virginia, designers at Virginia Tech have created the Sustainable Art Painting kit, which provides the directions and tools necessary to convert food waste into natural watercolor paint. Led by Jung Choi Yoon, a Virginia Tech assistant professor of industrial design, the kit offers an outlet for the 90 billion lbs of food waste US […]
In Germany, chemicals giant BASF has expanded its portfolio of natural-based ingredients with three new personal care products: Verdessence Maize, a natural styling polymer; Lamesoft OP Plus, a wax-based opacifier dispersion; and Dehyton PK45 GA/RA, a betaine derived from Rainforest Alliance Certified coconut oil. Verdessence Maize is a biodegradable alternative to PVP and VP/VA polymers […]
In California, Happy Campers, a leader in gluten-free organic baked goods, will use Verde Bioresins’ biobased, biodegradable, recyclable and FDA-compliant line of PolyEarthylene resins in its packaging. Specifically, the material will be used for Happy Campers’ gluten-free breads and buns. Unlike conventional plastic bags, the material allows naturally occurring landfill microbes to attach and convert […]
In Switzerland, specialty chemical maker Clariant has launched a wax solution that addresses the increasing supply chain complexities facing formulators who rely on carnauba wax for printing ink applications. Though renewable, carnauba wax sourcing is challenged by seasonal harvesting limitations, climate dependencies, and labor-intensive collection processes. Clariant’s Ceridust 1310 is a micronized rice bran wax […]
In Vietnam, a European Union-funded project between Switzerland’s Helvetas Vietnam and AirX Carbon is working to convert waste husks from cocoa cultivation into bioplastic. Dubbed the “Bean to Bar” initiative, the project will run through 2026 and promote circular economy practices in Vietnam’s agri-food sector. The European Union is providing $2.16 million for the project, […]
In Colorado, biobased pigments startup Living Ink has closed a $3 million investment round. Living Ink converts biomass waste into renewable colorants. Its first product, Algae Black, is a drop-in alternative to petroleum-derived carbon black. Meliorate Partners, Evergreen Climate Innovations, Savia Ventures, Fashion for Good and Norfolk Green Ventures participated in the funding, which will […]
