In the Netherlands, Paques Biomaterials has raised €14 million to advance its polyhydroxyalkanoate bioplastics. The company was founded 3 years ago on technology spun out of Delft University of Technology. The capital will allow it to scale up by building a Caleyda Extraction Facility in Emmen, where raw PHA will be extracted into a high-quality, […]
In Washington, DC, American Chemistry Council has released a set of principles and definitions to promote policies that support responsible growth of commercially available and viable biobased plastic production and bolster solutions that can help U.S. companies reach their sustainability goals more rapidly. The principles are as follows: biobased plastics refer to plastics that are […]
In Delaware, a startup called Algae Cooking Club is set to launch sustainable algae-based cooking oil in the US by the end of February. It will also be used at Eleven Madison Park, a buzzy, Michelin-star rated restaurant in Manhattan, after successful trials. Algae Cooking Club CEO and founder Kasra Saidi told Fast Company that […]
In Boston, bioactives startup Ayana Bio has entered into a seven-figure joint development agreement with Wooree Green Science, a subsidiary of Wooree Bio. The collaboration aims to develop plant cell-derived saffron and other vital bioactive ingredients, specifically for health and wellness products targeting the South Korean market. Known for its potential to aid weight loss […]
In New York, C16 Biosciences has secured a $3.5 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to advance its fermentation platform for producing food-grade oils and fats. The company was also granted a $1 million investment from Elemental Excelerator. The global edible oils industry is projected to reach $870 billion by 2050, but […]
In Argentina, Syensqo’s venture capital fund has made an undisclosed investment in green solvents startup Bioeutectics. Founded in 2019 and based in Mendoza, Bioeutectics provides natural and high-performance solvents that make industrial products and processes more sustainable. “We see a growing demand for efficient and environmentally friendly solvents, which can also be biodegradable, non-toxic and […]
In Florida, Kraton Corporation, a producer of biobased products derived from pine wood pulping by-products, has completed a $35 million investment to upgrade its crude tall oil biorefinery towers in Panama City. The new infrastructure was completed in November. “We are excited to unveil this strategic investment in our biorefinery operations,” said Edgar Baena, VP […]
In Germany, Vyld, a producer of biobased absorbent products, has raised a “seven-figure sum” to launch Kelpon, the world’s first tampon made from seaweed, and proceed with the pilot phase of Vyndel, a compostable diaper with an algae core and no plastic or superabsorbents. Last fall, the company completed a successful trial for Kelpon with […]
In California, biotech-enabled fragrance startup Sensegen has announced a strategic collaboration with flavor and fragrance giant Takasago. The pact will leverage Sensegen’s recent advances in developing natural musk raw materials. The two companies hope to move the perfume industry beyond synthetic petroleum-based fragrances and traditional extracts. “Takasago’s rich fragrance expertise, combined with Sensegen’s innovative biotech […]
In California, environmental nonprofit the 5 Gyres has released findings questioning the biodegradability of certain bioplastics, including polylactic acid. The report, called Better Alternatives 3.0, found that some bioplastic packaging and items did not decompose after being buried underground for 64 weeks, regardless of the climate and soil conditions. For example, though PLA straws decomposed […]
