Author Archive: Rebecca Gendron

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CovationBio achieves on spec biobased THF and PTMEG production at Qidong, gets its foot into door of the footwear market

CovationBio achieves on spec biobased THF and PTMEG production at Qidong, gets its foot into door of the footwear market

September 7, 2026 |

In China, Covation Biomaterials has successfully produced its first series of commercial, on-spec batches of biobased tetrahydrofuran and polytetramethylene ether glycol, which are sold under the trade names Xatryx.T bioTHF and Xatryx® bioPTMEG, respectively.  The 50,000 metric ton per year plant at Qidong was completed in April 2026. “Rigorous internal quality control testing” found that […]

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Symrise to divest its terpene ingredients business to Mutares SE & Co. KGaA

Symrise to divest its terpene ingredients business to Mutares SE & Co. KGaA

September 7, 2026 |

In the US, Symrise AG has signed a definitive agreement to sell AmeriTerpenes LLC, its terpene ingredients business, to international private equity investor Mutares SE & Co. KGaA.  The deal will sharpen Symrise’s focus on core growth platforms and positions AmeriTerpenes to further develop its renewable terpene ingredient portfolio for fragrance, flavor, and industrial applications […]

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Kimchi waste could become viable feedstock for bioplastics

Kimchi waste could become viable feedstock for bioplastics

September 7, 2026 |

In South Korea, researchers at World Institute of Kimchi have converted kimchi radish waste into a bioplastic. Specifically, the team used an E. coli bacteria with the ability to convert certain chemicals in kimchi-processing leftovers into a bioplastic.  The research used advanced modeling to streamline the development of low-waste manufacturing processes. By integrating biological data […]

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Novonesis to invest €600 in enzymes production assets in India

Novonesis to invest €600 in enzymes production assets in India

September 7, 2026 |

In Denmark, Novonesis will invest €600 million ($696 million) to expand its facility in Patalganga, India and build one of the world’s most advanced enzyme production facilities to meet rising global demand for biosolutions.  The Patalganga expansion, which is expected to be fully operational in 2030, will produce enzymes for a broad range of industries, […]

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Mitsubishi Chemical brings seashell-inspired shine to cosmetics with plant-based DURABIO

Mitsubishi Chemical brings seashell-inspired shine to cosmetics with plant-based DURABIO

September 7, 2026 |

In Japan, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation has announced that its plant-derived engineering plastic DURABIO™ has been adopted for use in the compact cases for Excia Eye Color Volonte,  a premium eyeshadow from Japanese cosmetics company Albion.  By combining DURABIO with other transparent resins and injection molding them, a “beautiful texture reminiscent of natural seashells is achieved,” […]

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Braskem biobased polymer helps Deterra drug disposal pouch earn packaging awards

Braskem biobased polymer helps Deterra drug disposal pouch earn packaging awards

September 7, 2026 |

In the Netherlands, the Deterra® Drug Disposal Pouch from Accredo Packaging has won several packaging awards for its use of Braskem’s 50% or more I’m green™ biobased polymer.  Developed by Verde Technologies, the pouch is designed to deactivate unused medications, preventing drug diversion and mitigating the risk of pharmaceuticals leaching into groundwater and waterways. The […]

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Bioplastic models help medical students practice suture skills

Bioplastic models help medical students practice suture skills

August 31, 2026 |

In Germany, researchers at the University of Ausburg have created realistic models for second-year medical students to practice their punch biopsy and wound closure techniques with the hopes of minimizing scarring with real patients.  The models are 3D printed using filaments made of the common bioplastic polylactic acid. Alternatives such as silicone mats, foam blocks […]

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UPSIDE Foods withdraws from deal to acquire Believer’s North Carolina plant

UPSIDE Foods withdraws from deal to acquire Believer’s North Carolina plant

August 31, 2026 |

In North Carolina, cultivated meat producer UPSIDE Foods has withdrawn from a previously announced agreement to acquire the production facility of bankrupt peer, Believer Meats. The stalking horse bid, worth $50 million, was announced in June. According to AgFunderNews, conditions of the deal were not met. The purchase agreement allowed UPSIDE to terminate under several circumstances, […]

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Iowa gives ADM tax credit for Clinton precision fermentation conversion

Iowa gives ADM tax credit for Clinton precision fermentation conversion

August 31, 2026 |

In Iowa, agribusiness giant ADM has received $2.23 million in tax credits from state authorities to help fund a previously announced $55.5 million precision fermentation project. The investment will add separation, purification, drying and packaging equipment and upgrade existing fermentation systems at the company’s Clinton site, creating an expected 53 jobs. The site is also set […]

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Vans steps up its biobased game with Premium SF Moc Low

Vans steps up its biobased game with Premium SF Moc Low

August 31, 2026 |

In California, skate-sneaker brand Vans has launched the Premium SF Moc Low, a new low-top shoe that combines a moccasin-inspired upper with the brand’s signature vulcanized construction and waffle outsole. The shoe incorporates Vans’ Sola Foam ADC (All-Day Comfort) insole, which contains at least 30% biobased polyurethane foam derived partially from plant-based feedstocks. The material […]

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