In London, Unilever executives have publicly called dairy “problematic” as it invests in R&D to produce alternatives via precision fermentation. The consumer goods giant, which counts Magnum, Ben & Jerry’s, and Breyers among its brands, said at a recent media event that it is working with startups in Europe and could launch products in 2023, […]
In France, Microphyt, a producer of microalgae-based natural solutions for nutrition and well-being, has announced a Series B fund raise of €15 million (US$15.7 million). Microphyt says the funds will be used to accelerate new product development and commercialization of its portfolio as well as to increase production of Microphyt’s industrial platform in Baillargues. Microphyt […]
In Florida, GreenTechnologies announced that its research and commercialization project for a new Reactive Layer Coating (RLC) technology for biobased fertilizers has been awarded a highly competitive Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase II Award of $649,875 from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). GreenTechnologies noted that it will develop pilot scale manufacturing capabilities […]
In Argentina, architect Juan Manuel Prieto has used artificial intelligence to conceptualize “Habitable Monsters” to draw attention to the potential of living architecture. Made of organic materials such as muscle tissue, fur, scales, tentacles, and even fangs, the living but (hopefully) non-sentient structures would be energy-efficient, feeding off of the waste of its inhabitants. In […]
In California, the paper nacho cheese cups Taco Bell has introduced in some restaurants to comply with plastic bans has divided the internet, with some patrons applauding the sustainability initiative and others complaining the cups are smaller and less durable. According to Mashed.com, which did a deep dive on the topic, the main complaint among […]
In Spain, sustainable automotive company LIUX has unveiled a 3D printed electric vehicle prototype that uses 90% recycled and plant-based materials. Named Animal, the car’s body, interior, and chassis are made from biopolymer fibers and resins. Body panels are made from cork and linen. “A large part of the outer bodywork” will be made of […]
In Italy, an environmentally focused NFT dubbed Kutee Kitties hopes to sell original cartoons of hip cats to fund bioplastics development and other plastics waste mitigation measures. Sales of the 10,000 Kutee Kitties NFTs—which are available on OpenSea for 0.15 ETH (US$182.12)—will be used to help finance projects and companies like hemp- and ag waste-based […]
In Maine, a 100% biobased, 3D-printed prototype home is being touted as a possible solution to unsustainably high home prices. Dubbed BioHome 3D, the 600-square-foot domicile features 3D-printed floors, walls and a roof comprised of wood fibers and bioresins. Construction waste was nearly eliminated due to the precision of the printing process. BioHome 3D hopes […]
In Oman, Bank Nizwa is now offering bioplastic credit and debit cards. The Shari’ah-compliant cards are “designed to cater to different segments of customers’ needs by offering consumer-driven solutions that deliver value [and] bring the best of sustainable practices, exclusive rewards and unparalleled convenience in one card,” Bank Nizwa says in a press statement. PLA […]
In Colorado, Eco-Products has announced a new line of compostable straws made from polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), a plant-based plastic derived from canola oil. Available individually wrapped or unwrapped and in a variety of lengths from 5.5 to 10.25 inches, the straws are BPI-certified compostable and meet ASTM D6400 standards for compostability. “With demand rising for more […]
