In New York, jewelry brand Mo.Na Gems is using potato starch-based plastics to mimic gemstones and, reportedly, gaining a following in the New York fashion scene. The material, formulated in 2021 by co-founders Mia Dunn and Mecca McDonald in their Johns Hopkins dorm, breaks down in home composters in a matter of weeks, according to […]
In California, Shiru, an AI-powered ingredient discovery firm, and GreenLab, a pioneer in plant-based protein expression, have partnered to commercialize novel food proteins using GreenLab’s proprietary corn expression system. The collaboration expands Shiru’s manufacturing capabilities, complementing discovery capabilities with a high-yield, scalable manufacturing platform that extends beyond microbial and precision fermentation. This partnership enables a […]
In Australia, startup Ecopha is pioneering the use of pongamia oil from a tree native to Australia, India and Southeast Asia to produce the bioplastic polyhydroxyalkanoate. The pongamia tree is known for flourishing in arid and challenging climates with little need for irrigation, fertilizers, or pesticides. “Innovation is at the heart of Ecopha’s mission to […]
In Arizona, Nova Farms has collaborated with BioBond Adhesives to implement a biobased protective coating in its Phoenix, Arizona, food processing facility. Made from plant-based ingredients, BioBond’s protective coating is designed to guard against mold, bacteria, and other contaminants. Unlike traditional coatings, it contains no microplastics. The partnership is part of Nova Farms’ broader efforts […]
In Pennsylvania, Dropps, a certified B Corporation and leader in sustainable home care products, has launched its biobased 4-in-1 Plus Oxi Power Laundry Detergent Pods in select Target stores and online. The pods feature an 84% USDA Certified Biobased formula, offering a plant-based alternative to conventional laundry detergents. Designed to minimize environmental impact, the pods […]
In Sweden, cultivated meat startup Re:meat has successfully closed an oversubscribed funding round, raising €1 million (US$1.1 million) to establish Scandinavia’s first “Re:meatery,” a facility designed to produce cultivated meat using modular, brewing-inspired technology. The process is aimed at cost-efficiency, allowing food companies to integrate cultivated meat into everyday meals without premium pricing, according to […]
In the UK, health officials are warning people not to take part in the latest viral TikTok trend: eating potato starch-based packing peanuts used by popular soap retailer, Lush. While Lush’s alternative to Styrofoam packing peanuts does dissolve in water, experts warn they are not edible and can contain carcinogens. “Many vegetable oils are high […]
In Prince Edward Island, Natural Products Canada has invested $1.7 million in several Canadian bioeconomy companies that represent “highly innovative biobased and natural products.” ALT-PRO Advantage will receive $75,000 to create pet food with alternative proteins from microalgae. Bio Sun Solutions will receive $283,629 to advance a herbal biofungicide for crops such as tomatoes, while […]
In Japan, Green Science Alliance has developed a biobased and biodegradable plasticizer from waste cooking oil and plant-based ingredients. The breakthrough addresses environmental concerns such as climate change and plastic pollution and potential impacts to human health from consuming nanoplastics. Unlike traditional petroleum-based plasticizers, which are non-biodegradable and contribute to CO2 emissions, Green Science Alliance’s […]
In the Netherlands, Photanol BV, a biotech company with CO2-to-chemical conversion, has filed for bankruptcy, citing difficulty raising funds. A key industrial partner exited joint venture talks with Photanol in December 2024 and the company has been unable to secure bridge funding. According to Silicon Canals, Photanol is shutting down at a critical moment, having recently […]
