In Germany, Evonik reported that the bio-content of VISIOMER Terra methacrylate monomers is now certified by DIN CERTCO―the certification body of TÜV Rheinland Group―and will include the label “Certified Biobased Product.” DIN CERTCO certifies products using the C14 radiocarbon method and ASTM D 6866:2021 protocol instead of merely calculating the bio-content. The firm noted that […]
In New York, parenting solutions company Bugaboo has unveiled its “most premium all-terrain” stroller, which comes complete with eco-friendly materials. The Bugaboo Fox 5 uses mass-balanced biobased material Akulon®, which is manufactured in the Netherlands by DSM. Use of Akulon reduces the strollers’ CO2 emissions by 20%, according to Bugaboo, which claims to be the […]
In the United Kingdom, researchers at University of Manchester have developed a concrete-like material from dehydrated potatoes, salt, and extraterrestrial dust that it says could enable construction of shelters and other infrastructure on Mars. The material—which they have named StarCrete—is stronger than concrete used on Earth. The work builds on previous efforts to develop building […]
In London, sustainability-focused fashion designer Stella McCartney has tapped supermodel/actress/brow trendsetter Cara Delevingne to model her brand’s first garment made with plant-derived sequins. Dubbed Biosequins, the sustainable sparkle is achieved through plant-derived cellulose and was developed by a joint collaboration between McCartney and Radiant Matter, a materials innovation company also based in the UK. The […]
In Switzerland, a natural latex condom brand is going hard into ESG by switching to renewable electricity and packaging. According to Feelgood Condoms—which boasts the cheeky tagline, “Not only for vegans & animal lovers: Feelgood satisfies everyone”—manufacturing will soon switch to EKOenergy-certified renewable and CO2-neutral energy in its production. EKOenergy certification means there is no […]
In Finland, Woodio has won the prestigious ISH Design Plus Award for its wood-based toilet. Made from a wood composite the Nordic-inspired interiors brand developed in 2017, the Woodio Block is impact-resistant, easy to clean thanks to a dirt-repellent coating, and even feels warm on the skin. It is also compatible with most European Union […]
In Baltimore, synbio startup Conagen, Inc. and biobased compounds maker Natáur LLC have partnered to produce taurine via biotechnology. Taurine is essential for cardiovascular, skeletal muscle, vision, and nervous system function in both humans and animals, but is not produced naturally by plants, fungi, or single-cell protein systems. Currently, taurine for supplements is manufactured from […]
In Denmark, a startup developing natural food colorings has raised an additional €7.1 million to accelerate commercialization. According to Chromologics, the additional funds have brought the entire series seed to €12.6 million. Proceeds will be used to launch its first product: Natu.Red®, a red food coloring produced via fermentation. “We are thrilled to be able […]
In San Diego, L’Oréal has joined the Genomatica-led consortium working to develop, produce and commercialize biotechnology-based alternatives to critical ingredients found in everyday cosmetics, personal care and cleaning products. The brand powerhouse joins founding consortium members Genomatica, Unilever, and Kao Corporation. The partnership is using Genomatica’s proprietary engineered microorganisms to ferment plant sugars that produce […]
In Sweden, local engineering, design and advisory company AFRY said that TreeToTextile, owned by H&M Group, Inter IKEA Group, Stora Enso and LSCS Invest, has invested $37 million in constructing a textile fiber process technology demonstration plant in Sweden. TreeToTextile is offering a new technology to produce biobased textile fibers with a low environmental footprint […]
