In Arkansas, Greenlab has tapped Boston-based strain developer Ginkgo Bioworks to discover a novel enzyme to biodegrade PFAS, a group of “forever chemicals” implicated in adverse health impacts. Specifically, Greenlab has partnered with Ginkgo Enzyme Services, which provides companies with end-to-end enzyme discovery and optimization R&D services. Under the terms of the agreement, Ginkgo will […]
In London, a toothbrush brand endorsed by actress-turned-lifestyle-guru Gwenyth Paltrow is targeting circular and biobased materials to counter the 4 billion non-biodegradable toothbrushes that end up in landfills each year. SURI toothbrushes feature plant-based heads and bristles and an aluminum body that can be repaired for extended use. The toothbrush’s are made from castor oil […]
In India, a lingerie brand led by two sisters is emphasizing renewable materials like corn fiber and sugar beet to promote sustainable fashion. Dubbed Intimate Queen, the brand also aims to be body-inclusive to embrace underserved women. “The lingerie industry lacked the best fit, lift and support as well as products that were environment friendly,” […]
In the Netherlands, designer Kyran Knauf wants to introduce a truly alternative protein to people’s diets: crickets. He has created a small device that will allow people to breed and grow the bugs in their own kitchens. Dubbed Crikorama, the machine can accommodate 30 crickets at a time. “I generally have two passions, which are […]
In Italy, multinational Eni is in talks to sell a minority stake in its Novamont bioplastics subsidiary, according to a Reuters report. A source with knowledge of the discussions believes the deal could garner $1.1 billion. Eni bought out the 64% of Novamont it did not already own from Investitori Associati II and NB Renaissance […]
In Europe, the European Innovation Council Work Programme 2024 will provide €50 million in aid to startups and small businesses scaling alternative protein production, with a focus on precision fermentation. The funds are part of the Horizon Europe program, which aims to increase the efficiency and sustainability of EU’s food chain. According to vegconomist, companies […]
In Denmark, Novozymes and Chr. Hansen have announced that the name of their combined company will be Novonesis. Announced earlier this year, the merger of Novozymes and Chr. Hansen creates a biosolutions giant with a global network of more than 23 manufacturing sites and close to 40 R&D and application centers, employing around 10,000. “The […]
In Sweden, Metsä Spring, Metsä Group’s innovation company, has made a second investment in FineCell, producer of CellOx dry cellulose powder and hydrogels for beauty, healthcare, and paint products. The €1 million seed funding round will be used to boost material application research, engage with potential customers, and finalize the plan for a demo production […]
In Austria, OMV and Synthos have announced a Memorandum of Understanding for the supply of sustainable raw materials for the production of high-performance tires. Under the MoU, OMV and Synthos commit to a long-term partnership on sustainable butadiene until 2030. The initial phase will involve utilizing palm fatty acid distillate and used cooking oil as […]
In New York, a Michelin star restaurant that made waves in 2021 by announcing an all plant-based menu will be the first to serve an egg replacement produced via yeast fermentation. EVERY Egg took EVERY—a foodtech company whose investors include Anne Hathaway and AB InBev—nine years to develop. It will be featured in a special, […]
