In Finland, protein-from-air innovator Solar Foods has been granted €77.8 million (US$89.2 million) from Business Finland and EU clean transition instruments to build its Factory 02 project at Selkäharju, Lappeenranta. Dubbed Solein, the company’s protein is made by a specific microbe, which undergoes fermentation with air and electricity. The nutritionally rich ingredient can replace protein […]
In London, a company that has developed a plant-based insulation solution that also restores habitats has been named Innovator of the Year by the Pride in Our Planet Awards. Dubbed Ponda, the company restores the UK’s peatlands by growing bulrush, which it then converts into goose down alternative BioPuff. The material has already attracted attention […]
In India, compostable biopolymers pioneer Natur-Tec India Private Limited and agchem major Bayer have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly develop biodegradable and compostable seedling cups designed to transform nursery practices and advance sustainable agriculture. Specifically, the collaboration aims to eliminate single-use plastic nursery cups, while ensuring full compatibility with widely used nematicides and […]
In France, biobased carboxylic acid producer Afyren has updated investors on the operational performance of its first production plant at Carling–Saint‑Avold, with demonstrated production capacity reaching 20% of full capacity. Company CEO Nicolas Sordet said in a press statement that the company is “producing, shipping and invoicing at an increasing pace,” but that the plant […]
In Germany, an EU-funded biobased aniline project spearheaded by Covestro has kicked off. Dubbed Bio4PURConti for Bio-Based Continuous Production for Sustainable Polyurethane Industry, the 10-partner, 7-country project is targeting semi-industrial scale production of a low-carbon drop-in replacement for conventional aniline Aniline is a key raw material for the plastics and chemical industry, notably for methylene […]
In Finland, specialty chemical companies Kemira and IFF have changed the location of their previously announced Alpha Bio biobased chemicals manufacturing joint venture from IFF’s Kotka site to IFF’s Hanko complex. The joint venture, originally announced in 2025, represents an estimated total investment of approximately €130 million (USD$148.5 million). Both companies will continue to hold […]
In Australia, actor Zac Efron has commissioned an off-grid house made out of hemp and other renewable materials. Dubbed “Futurecave,” the $2.65 million house is being built on a 128-acre plot in New South Wales. Designer Joost Bakker and architect Frank Burride are overseeing construction, according to Realtor.com. In addition to hemp, materials for the six-bedroom […]
In Paris, a diamond-studded handbag made out of lab-grown T-rex skin has failed to sell at auction. Organized by auction house Giquello, the highest bid—$150,000—failed to meet the $500,000 reserve. The bag was made by VML using material cell cultivated by The Organoid Company and Lab-Grown Leather Ltd. The original cells were obtained from collagen extracted from […]
In Switzerland, Nestlé has filed a patent application for a beta-lactoglobulin protein derived from precision-fermented donkey milk. The BLG would be marketed for infants and adults with allergies to cow’s milk. “Individuals with cow’s milk protein allergy must avoid all cow milk-based products, which can limit their dietary options and nutritional intake,” reads Nestlé’s patent […]
In Spain, insect bioconversion company BioFlyTech has joined DIVERSYFY4Future, an EU-funded R&D project looking to diversify and make European aquaculture more sustainable. Among its objectives is the development of new protein ingredients with a lower environmental footprint for animal feed, derived from low-trophic-level sources and waste products, thereby reducing the current reliance on monocultures and […]
