In Maryland, Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity is seeking information on potential biodegradable components for unmanned aerial vehicle propulsion systems. The Request for Information singles out turbines, motors and engine components that would biodegrade under UV or in water. The IARPA RFI follows a successful demonstration by Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency of structural drone […]
In California, Bezos Earth Fund has awarded $10 million to a team of University of California-Berkley researchers to develop fabrics made from compost but inspired by spider silk. Such fabrics would help address the 92 million tons of textile waste generated by the fashion industry annually. Project lead Ting Xu calls the process waste to […]
In Lithuania, Pentasweet has raised €65 million (US$76.3 million) to build Europe’s first sweet protein production facility. The facility will produce brazzein, a protein that is 1,500 times sweeter than sugar, and is expected to begin production in the first half of next year. Naturally found in a fruit that grows in Central and West Africa, […]
In Italy, cellulose-based microbeads firm Naturbeads has received €4.1 million (US$4.8 million) in funding from the European Structural Fund. The €4.1 million will be used to partially reimburse Naturbeads for the construction of a new production plant in Puglia as well as support R&D costs while it gears up to full commercialization over the next two […]
In Europe, a new Bioeconomy Investment Group has been assembled to help Europe’s sustainable industries secure the funding they need to grow. The group aims to reduce financial risks for investors, create clear funding standards, and bring together public and private money. Despite already supporting 17 million jobs and generating up to €2.7 trillion (US$3.17 […]
In the Netherlands, a company developing biobased foam materials has raised €3 million ($US3.5 million) to scale production. Foamlab B.V. said it will use the funds to build a pilot plant to convert cellulose to suitable replacements for petroleum-based foams. The round included participation from Icos Capital, Value Factory Ventures, DOEN Ventures, Capricorn Industrial Biotech Fund, […]
In France, biobased carboxylic acids producer Afyren has received a €3 million (US$3.5 million) grant from the Grand Est Region through the European Just Transition Fund. The funds will contribute to financing the company’s recent buyout of its AFYREN NEOXY plant, now 100% owned by Afyren after the company completed a full buyout of its […]
In Florida, Rayonier Advanced Materials, a major producer of biobased cellulose products, has announced a comprehensive review of strategic alternatives as the company positions itself to capture rising global demand for renewable materials. The Jacksonville‑based manufacturer, whose cellulose specialties are used in everything from pharmaceuticals to high‑performance plastics, said it has hired Morgan Stanley as […]
In California, a pioneer in using renewable materials in sneakers has unexpectedly announced a major pivot to artificial intelligence. Allbirds, a Nasdaq-listed company with A-list fans such as Lindsey Lohan and Prince William, has announced a definitive agreement to sell the Allbirds brand and footwear assets to American Exchange Group for $50 million. Allbirds, which […]
In Ohio, DIY home improvement legend and former This Old House host Bob Vila has endorsed Bio-Pro Bar & Chain Oils as the best biodegradable choice for chainsaw maintenance. Made from vegetable oils and specialized additives, the chainsaw oil offers protection from wear and pressure. It is tacky enough to stay on the chains and […]
