In Australia, a team of researchers has determined that biobased polylactic acid – a commonly used filament in 3D printing – can be used to trace the origin of “ghost guns.” A growing problem for law enforcement, such weapons are privately assembled and lack serial numbers, making them difficult to trace. However, PLA filament manufacturers […]
In London, bioplastics were used in the elaborate costumes of a whimsical stage play that saw the events of Alice in Wonderland take place in London during the Blitz. Dubbed Alice by Heart, the costumes were designed by Sarah Mosher, associate professor of costume design at Baylor. Algae-based bioplastics were shaped into numerous costumes, including […]
In Belgium, global confectioner Puratos is planning a US launch of a chocolate product made from cell-based cocoa in 2026. Formulated for chocolatiers, the product was developed in collaboration with California Cultured, which produces its cell‑based cocoa by sampling cocoa plants with ideal flavor and aroma profiles. These cells are then grown in fermentation tanks […]
In Belgium, Those Vegan Cowboys, a company developing precision fermentation-based dairy proteins, has raised €2.5 million ($2.95 million) from 600 new shareholders in a crowdfunding campaign. The company said that while the fundraise was not necessary from a capital injection standpoint, it is important to “building a movement around animal-free dairy” and growing the “‘S.T.A.C.K. […]
In France, ski manufacturer ZAG Skis is using biobased resin produced by Sicomin in a prototype touring ski. Specifically, ZAG Skis is using Sicomin SR GreenPoxy80 wood and fiber resin in its ZAG UBAC 95 touring ski, yielding an 80% biobased content ski. Touring skis are lightweight alpine skis built for ski touring, where you […]
In Hawaii, coffee and water company Waiākea Hawaiian Volcanic Beverages has become the first brand in the world to use bottle labels printed with ACTExact® UV Black Algae Ink – an ink made using carbon-negative, algae-derived pigment. The packaging innovation is the result of five years of research and collaboration with Living Ink Technologies, ACTEGA, […]
In Switzerland, Seprify has expanded into the European cosmetics market with its cellulose-based ingredient SilvaLuma through a partnership with Grolman Group. After more than 20 months of research, development and validation, SilvaLuma is now being introduced to formulators in skincare and suncare products. The ingredient is designed to enhance SPF performance and deliver mattifying effects […]
In Belgium, Syensqo has introduced Rhodasurf® B7 UP, a natural laureth-7 surfactant that enables more sustainable liquid laundry detergents and hard surface care formulations. The product is manufactured at Syensqo’s ethoxylation facility in Moerdijk, the Netherlands, which recently received ISCC PLUS mass-balance certification for delivering over 90% lower net CO₂ footprint compared to conventional surfactants, […]
In London, Arda Biomaterials has created a leather alternative from brewer’s spent grain. Dubbed New Grain, the material is supple and durable, and because it reconstructs proteins to resemble the structure of animal proteins, it doesn’t require the plastic binders and coatings many other plant-based leather alternatives require. “Plant proteins come in this really coiled up, […]
In San Francisco, sustainable sneaker pioneer Allbirds has introduced Terralux, a new footwear collection crafted with Modern Meadow’s INNOVERA-brand leather alternative. Made from plant-based proteins, biopolymers, and recycled nylon 6 sourced from end-of-life tires, INNOVERA is 80% renewable and engineered to look, feel, wear, and age like traditional leather. The three-piece Terralux collection includes two […]
