Author Archive: Rebecca Gendron

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Allbirds makes unexpected pivot from renewable sneakers to AI 

Allbirds makes unexpected pivot from renewable sneakers to AI 

April 20, 2026 |

In California, a pioneer in using renewable materials in sneakers has unexpectedly announced a major pivot to artificial intelligence. Allbirds, a Nasdaq-listed company with A-list fans such as Lindsey Lohan and Prince William,  has announced a definitive agreement to sell the Allbirds brand and footwear assets to American Exchange Group for $50 million. Allbirds, which […]

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Renewable Lubricants gets Bob Vila’s endorsement for biobased chainsaw oil 

Renewable Lubricants gets Bob Vila’s endorsement for biobased chainsaw oil 

April 20, 2026 |

In Ohio, DIY home improvement legend and former This Old House host Bob Vila has endorsed Bio-Pro Bar & Chain Oils as the best biodegradable choice for chainsaw maintenance. Made from vegetable oils and specialized additives, the chainsaw oil offers protection from wear and pressure. It is tacky enough to stay on the chains and […]

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Leveling the PLA-ying field: NatureWorks seeks tariffs on polylactic acid imports 

Leveling the PLA-ying field: NatureWorks seeks tariffs on polylactic acid imports 

April 20, 2026 |

In Minnesota, polylactic acid producer NatureWorks is urging the Office of the United States Trade Representative to slap tariffs on PLA resin and products entering the US from China, India and Thailand. In a USTR filing obtained by Plastics Today, NatureWorks flagged PLA overcapacity and low prices due to unfair trade practices, particularly subsidized inputs […]

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Seventh Generation taps Keke Palmer to lead campaign for biobased dish soap

Seventh Generation taps Keke Palmer to lead campaign for biobased dish soap

April 20, 2026 |

In Vermont, biobased cleaning product giant Seventh Generation has tapped American actress and singer Keke Palmer to lead its “Don’t Do Extra” dishwashing campaign. The brand collateral features videos of Palmer incorporating Seventh Generation’s liquid dishwashing detergent into her routine. Kathleen O’Brien, CEO, Seventh Generation, told Happi she appreciated Palmer’s honest persona and energy.  “She’s […]

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Sweet success: Mondelēz produces chocolate bars made with Celleste Bio’s cell cultivated cocoa butter 

Sweet success: Mondelēz produces chocolate bars made with Celleste Bio’s cell cultivated cocoa butter 

April 20, 2026 |

In Tel Aviv, Celleste Bio has unveiled the world’s first milk chocolate bars made with cocoa butter produced via cell suspension culture technology. Chocolatier Mondelēz International, Celleste’s strategic partner, used the cultivated cocoa butter to create a nearly a dozen chocolate bars that met integrity and consumption standards. The milestone demonstrates that Celleste’s cell cultured […]

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CovationBio completes Qidong biobased PTMEG plant 

CovationBio completes Qidong biobased PTMEG plant 

April 20, 2026 |

In China, biomaterials firm Covation Biomaterials has completed construction of its first commercial plant for bioTHF and biobased polytetramethylene ether glycol. Located in Qidong, Jiangsu Province, China, the plant uses a technology developed by CovationBio. This first phase brings 50,000 metric tons of annual bioPTMEG production online, with commercial production expected in the second half […]

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Plant-powered rinse cuts pesticide residue on fruit 

Plant-powered rinse cuts pesticide residue on fruit 

April 20, 2026 |

In Canada, a team at University of British Columbia has developed a plant-based solution that removes more pesticide residue from produce than commonly used methods like rinsing with water and baking soda solutions. Comprised of starch, iron, and tannic acid, the solution formed bonds with pesticides to remove 96% from the fruits tested, according to […]

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Symrise invests in Bond Pet Foods 

Symrise invests in Bond Pet Foods 

April 20, 2026 |

In Germany, specialty ingredients company Symrise has made an unspecified strategic equity investment in Colorado’s Bond Pet Foods, a biotechnology firm that uses precision fermentation to produce animal-identical proteins complementing the existing pet food portfolio of Symrise. The partnership supports Symrise’s ambition to develop biotech-enabled ingredients that work better for pets and the planet, strengthening […]

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Timex marks Earth Day with renewable materials

Timex marks Earth Day with renewable materials

April 13, 2026 |

In Connecticut, popular watchmaker Timex has created a line of watches that include renewable and circular materials. Dubbed Good Time, Better Choices, the collection is a celebration of Earth Day that also underscores how heritage watchmaking can evolve through biobased innovation and responsible sourcing. According to In Fashion Business, the line includes Urban Pop Eco‑Friendly Strap […]

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Sweden’s Fibu raises $500k to scale wood-based foam

Sweden’s Fibu raises $500k to scale wood-based foam

April 13, 2026 |

In Sweden, Fibu AB, a company developing wood fiber-based foam, has been granted SEK4.26 million (US$463,000) in climate investment funding from Klimatklivet, a program administered by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency. The funds will be used to scale Fibu’s patented technology, which has applications as biodegradable alternative in packaging, insulation, and acoustics. “We are grateful […]

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