In Texas, Citroniq Chemicals, a company pursuing biobased polypropylene, has closed a $12-million Series A funding round. Strategic investors were “led by a large multi-national energy technology company providing large rotating equipment across oil & gas, energy and industrial customers in over 120 countries, along with a co-investment by Lummus Technology Ventures, and in partnership […]
In Germany, specialty chemicals producer Evonik has brought a renewable emollients plant online in Steinau. The facility cost “double-digit million-euro[s]” and manufactures esters using an enzymatic process and vegetable oils as feedstock. The investment was made to keep pace with growing demand for sustainable emollients in cosmetics. Emollients are cosmetic oils and waxes that make […]
In Japan, a joint venture between Dow and Mitsui have begun selling ethylene vinyl acetate and low-density polyethylene using renewable feedstocks. Dow-Mitsui Polychemicals Company, which kicked off sales on September 1, said the biomass EVA and biomass LDPE have the same resin properties as conventional petroleum-derived products because the raw material, biomass ethylene, exhibits the […]
In Finland, Nokian Tyres and Swedish biomaterials company Reselo AB have signed a development agreement to further develop their renewable material Reselo Rubber as a new raw material in tires. One-hundred percent renewable Reselo Rubber is made from birch bark sourced from pulp, paper and sawmill industry waste. “According to the initial laboratory tests… Reselo […]
In the Netherlands, bike gear and accessories company BBB Cycling has introduced a line of plant-based bike care products. Sold under the simple brand name Bio, the line of assembly, maintenance, and cleaning products biodegrade within 28 days and are free of petrochemicals and microplastics. Examples include the BioSeal tire sealant, which is manufactured from […]
In Germany, Volkswagen has partnered with hemp materials startup Revoltech to use 100% biobased leather alternative for its interiors. Dubbed LOVR, Revoltech’s material is fully recyclable and compostable and could be deployed in Volkswagen models as soon as 2028. Kai Grünitz, Volkswagen’s Board Member for Technical Development, told Manufacturing Today India the car maker is […]
In California, sustainable outwear brand Outerknown is using seaweed-based fibers developed by North Carolina’s Keel Labs. Dubbed Kelsun, the seaweed-based biopolymer fibers are mixed with organic cotton for a new line of Outerknown’s much-loved Blanket Shirt. “Working with suppliers that share our love for the ocean is a great fit for Outerknown. I’m excited to […]
In Wisconsin, Michael Green Architects has designed a 55-story, 600-feet mass timber tower for the Marcus Performing Arts Center in Milwaukee that, if built, would be the world’s tallest timber skyscraper. The building would also include residences, offices, restaurants, retail, and public space. Brumunddal, Norway, currently boasts the world’s tallest timber building, at 280 feet. […]
In Nebraska, Governor Jim Pillen has signed an executive order “creating strict guidelines” for state agencies and its contractors to “protect the state’s agriculture industry, as well as consumers, from lab-grown meat.” The Governor also directed the Nebraska Department of Agriculture to initiate a rulemaking process to make sure that any lab-grown meat products sold […]
In Colorado, researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory have developed an epoxy that could extend the usable life of wind turbine blades. Turbine blades have a finite usable life of about 20 years, but because the resins used to create the massive blades can’t be easily dissolved, the foam and carbon fiber that make […]
