In China, researchers from the Central South University of Forestry and Technology in Changsha have developed an alternative to plastic straws made from de-lignified natural wood infused with chitosan. To create the all-natural straws, a delignified wood slice was cut into strips measuring 3×15 cm and then soaked in a chitosan solution. The chitosan slowly […]
In California, sweet protein startup Oobli has partnered with Ingredion to accelerate access to affordable and healthier sweetener systems. Sweet proteins can be a foundational part of any combination of sweetener ingredients in food and beverages, including sodas, baked goods, yogurts, and candies, according to an Oobli press release. Sweet proteins can also be used […]
In the United Kingdom, Meatly has introduced Chick Bites, a hybrid dog treat made by pet food startup The Pack, at Pets at Home. The launch of Chick Bites, a blend of cultivated chicken and plant-based ingredients, is a global industry first. “Just two years ago, this felt like a moonshot. Today, we take off,” […]
In Colorado, pickleball supplier Komodo has launched Komodo BioBall, a new, biodegradable pickleball. While the company did not disclose the material, it claims the balls break down in 3-5 years and even hold up for more matches than conventional pickleballs. Approximately 500 million pickleballs are produced every year. Pickleball retailer Dink tested the balls and […]
In London, Researchers from King’s College London, Swansea University, and collaborators in Chile has developed a self-healing roads concept that leverages biobased spores. Specifically, the discovery addresses the pervasive issue of potholes, which cost U.S. drivers approximately $3 billion annually. The method involves organisms that reverse cracking in bitumen, the sticky substance used in asphalt […]
In Sweden, PaperShell has developed technology to convert plant-based materials such as paper into a durable artificial wood for furniture and building materials. PaperShell’s material is stronger than wood due to a process called intensive compression molding, which combines paper fibers and bio-resin. This process also adds hemicellulose back into the material, resulting in a […]
In the US, the Sustainable Technology Evaluation and Demonstration program, a Department of Defense program aimed at identifying more efficient equipment, together with the Marine Corps Shooting Team, has found a new biobased cleaner, lubricant and preservative. Reginald Mack, deputy director of the STED program, called it a “game changer,” because it requires fewer applications […]
In London, biotech startup Modern Synthesis has raised $5.5 million to commercialize microbially-derived biomaterials. Modern Synthesis transforms nanocellulose into durable, high-quality alternatives to animal leather, vegan leather, and plastic-based coated textiles. The company’s scalable, proprietary process leverages advanced material science to build upon the innate strength and versatility of nanocellulose, a naturally derived polymer which […]
In South Dakota, lawmakers have advanced a bill prohibiting the production, sale and distribution of cultivated meat. The Amendment, added to HB1109, was passed by an 8-5 vote and expires in 10 years. The bill was sponsored by District 2 Rep. John Sjaarda, who is also a cattle and hog producer, told the Tri-State Cattle […]
In California, TOUS les JOURS, a French-Asian bakery café chain, has begun rolling out plant-based plastic straws to store locations across the United States. The straws are made with PHACT™ PHA, which is produced by CJ Biomaterials, a leading producer of polyhydroxyalkanoate bioplastics. In addition to being made from a biobased material, the new straws […]
