In Italy, cruise operator Costa Group and methanol producer Proman, have signed an agreement to drive further the implementation of methanol as a marine fuel for the cruise industry. The partnership aims to accelerate the energy transition and decarbonization of the existing fleet by enhancing the supply of sustainable methanol, paving the way for the […]
In California, biotechnology company Checkerspot announced the close of a $55 million Series C financing led by ArrowMark Partners, with participation from Cox Enterprises and other new and existing investors. The funding accelerates Checkerspot’s development and commercialization of high-performance, biobased alternatives for everyday products, the firm said. Checkerspot has previously launched a line of performance […]
In Italy, Maire Tecnimont announced that its subsidiary NextChem has been awarded a feasibility study by Foresight Group for a carbon capture and sustainable methanol synthesis plant in the ETA Manfredonia waste-to-energy plant in Puglia. Upon completion of the feasibility study, the successful finalization of the permitting process as well as the subsequent final investment […]
In Germany, researchers at Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology have discovered a new class of compounds so effective at killing fungi they named them keanumycins—a nod to the fictional hitman John Wick, played by action star Keanu Reeves. Produced by the bacteria Pseudomonas, keanumycins were shown effective against gray mold rot […]
In Arizona, Fast Company reports that Neste will process used cooking oil from State Farm Stadium—the site of this year’s nailbiter Super Bowl matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs—into sustainable aviation fuel. The oil will specifically be sourced from the Stadium’s pregame tailgate party, where it was used to fry up football […]
In the United Kingdom, sustainable product-focused online marketplace Veo has identified a 3,500% increase in consumer searches for sustainable sexual health products such as eco-friendly and bioplastic sex toys and vegan massage oils in the run-up to Valentine’s Day. According to Veo, the sexual wellness market is expected to reach £92 billion by 2026, with […]
In the United Kingdom, Majority has introduced wireless earbuds and charging cases that feature biodegradable and recycled plastics casings and speakers made from cellulose. Dubbed TruBio, the 43-gram earbuds deliver “deep base and clear highs” with Bluetooth technology for stable and fast connection, according to a write-up in Forbes. TruBio also provide up to 30 […]
In Sweden, a design studio and juice company have developed a potato-based bottle that can be eaten, composted, or dissolved in water. Dubbed GoneShells, founder of design studio Tomorrow Machine Anna Glansén says the bottles were developed in collaboration with Eckes Granini, the maker of Brämhults-brand of juices and smoothies. The structure of the bottles […]
In Germany, BRAIN Biotech AG has terminated its joint development contract with Roquette Frères covering natural sweeteners. The two companies signed the pact in January 2021 after a successful R&D phase for Brazzein, a protein sweetener naturally found in African berries Pentadiplandra brazzeana Baillon. Roquette and BRAIN said at the time that they saw “very […]
In Switzerland, specialty chemicals maker Givaudan has introduced RetiLife™, the first 100% naturally sourced retinol for use in anti-aging cosmetic products. The retinol is produced via fermentation using microorganisms and plant-based sugars as feedstock. It is then combined with sunflower oil, which acts as a protective natural antioxidant. “Retinol is widely used in skincare applications […]
