In Belgium, researchers at the University of Antwerp have found poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances in straws, including those made from plant-based materials. For straws made from paper and bamboo, they could not determine whether contamination with the forever chemicals occurred from contamination of soil or processing, or was added deliberately to improve straw performance. For […]
In Montluel, France, scooter company Globber has introduced a scooter with a frame made from wheat straw. The Globber Go-Up Foldable Plus Ecologic is compact and lightweight at 3.81 kg and diverts wheat straw from waste streams for use in bioplastic. The Globber Go-Up Foldable Plus Ecologic is designed for tool-less assembly and includes adjustable […]
In South Korea, CJ Biomaterials has partnered with Dongil Platech to develop a new eco-friendly straw made from polylactic acid and CJ Biomaterials’ PHACT amorphous polyhydroxyalkanoate biopolymer. By combining PLA and aPHA—a softer, more rubbery version of PHA—the two companies can produce a material with higher-performing properties and a faster rate of biodegradation. “We expect […]
In South Korea, in the fight against pollution, several regions in the U.S. have banned the use of plastic straws. Alternative materials exist, but most options are either too expensive to scale up, go limp in drinks or taste bad. But now, a team reporting in ACS Omega has developed a new type of bioplastic […]
In South Korea, paper straws that are currently available are not entirely made of paper alone. Straws made with 100% paper become too soggy when they come in contact with liquids and cannot function as straws. Accordingly, their surfaces should be coated. The joint research team of Dr. Oh Dongyeop and Dr. Kwak Hojung of […]
In Korea, Researchers at the Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology have achieved a holy grail in the fight against plastics waste due to straws: a renewable and biodegradable coating that keeps paper from going soggy. A research team comprised of Dr. Oh Dongyeop and Dr. Kwak Hojung of KRICT and Professor Park Jeyoung of […]
In Colorado, Eco-Products has announced a new line of compostable straws made from polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), a plant-based plastic derived from canola oil. Available individually wrapped or unwrapped and in a variety of lengths from 5.5 to 10.25 inches, the straws are BPI-certified compostable and meet ASTM D6400 standards for compostability. “With demand rising for more […]
In the Netherlands, Ballast Nedam Development is planning eight houses with prefab straw panels. The design was the result of a contest dubbed “Nature House,” or Natuurhuis in Dutch, to develop materials for climate-positive housing. The first pilot project will take place in Heeze in the province of Noord-Brabant. “The Nature House fulfils the high […]
In New York, Yankee Stadium will introduce biodegradable drinking straws made from bioplastic polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA). The straws are made by WinCup using canola oil as feedstock. The switch will help the home of the Bronx Bombers achieve its target of net zero waste through composting and recycling. Currently, 85% of the stadium’s waste is […]
In India, the Hindustan Times newspaper reports researchers at Kurukshetra University will soon begin looking into deriving value from paddy straw for both farmers and industry thanks to a grant from Haryana state government. The three-year grant is for a project on production of microbial silicase for resolution of silica in rice straw for value […]
