In Massachusetts, a team of researchers has combined sawdust, cellulose binders, and beeswax into an eco-friendly foam capable of replacing petroleum-based polystyrene. In the lab, Todd Emrick and Isha Farook, both polymer scientists at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, together with colleagues blended sawdust with different combinations of cellulose binders and cross-linking ingredients. Then the […]
In the Netherlands, a consortium of public and private entities is working to prove that a potato-processing side stream can be converted into renewable chemicals. Dubbed PACE, short for Potato Juice to Fatty Acids for New Bio-based Value-Chains in Europe, the consortium will retrofit a plant owned by potato-starch cooperative Royal Avebe. Using advanced fermentation […]
In the United Kingdom, archaeologists and engineers have collaborated to create a 3D-printed replica of the Roman board game Ludus Latrunculorum using polylactic acid bioplastic filament. The team was comprised of researchers from Newcastle University and Vindolanda, a Roman auxiliary fort in Northern England that excavated the replicated game board in 2019. Similar to chess, […]
In Switzerland, artist Saype is using biodegradable pigments such as charcoal, chalk and milk proteins to create 20 massive and biodegradable landart paintings. Dubbed the “Beyond walls Project, the massive work shows interlaced hands “reaching out, shaking and united in a common effort beyond all walls separating humans and enclosing them in mental or geographical […]
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 […]
