In Israel, foodtech startup Wilk has developed the world’s first yoghurt using both cell-cultured and conventional milk fat. The hybrid product has been validated by external laboratories to confirm it meets the necessary chemical and biological requirements. “This is a significant milestone, not just for Wilk, but for the Israeli FoodTech space and wider global […]
In London, plant-based fur maker ECOPEL is urging King Charles to forgo animal-fur trim in his coronation robe in favor of a cruelty-free alternative. British monarchs have traditionally worn purple robes trimmed with fur from ermine—a member of the weasel family—during the solemn ceremony. In a letter addressed to Buckingham Palace, ECOPEL CEO Christopher Sarfati […]
In New York, alternative dairy major Oatly has announced the “Oatly Emotional Support Hotline for Plant-Based Eaters Attending Traditional Meat and Dairy-based Thanksgiving Dinners.” According to the announcement on Oatly’s website, the service can be accessed by calling 1-866-OAT-LINE and “may or may” not include positive affirmations, a motivational locker room speech, a “blank audio […]
In California, cultivated meat maker UPSIDE Foods has received a “No Questions” letter from the US FDA, which amounts to confirmation that UPSIDE’s cell-based chicken is considered by the agency to be safe for human consumption. While approval is still required from USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service before commercial sales can begin, FDA’s nod […]
In Colorado, plant-based body care brand Green Goo has tapped NFL linebacker Shaq Thompson to be the official face of the brand. The partnership marks the launch of Green Goo’s “Rub It In” campaign, which includes branded advertisements featuring Thompson in select NFL team programs as well as a Super Bowl ticket giveaway. Thompson is […]
In California, a Tesla featuring a custom bamboo-based leather interior is on display at the Petersen Automotive Museum. According to Luxury Launches, the bespoke Model S Plaid uses Banbū animal-free leather developed by Von Holzhausen. Banbū is described by Von Holzhausen to be “buttery-soft like lambskin, scratch-resistant, stain-resistant, water-resistant, and lightweight.” It is also biodegradable. […]
In Georgia, Yamaha Marine U.S. will use plant-derived cellulose nanofiber (CNF) reinforced resin in the manufacture of select parts for watercrafts, including sport boat engines, beginning in 2024. CNF reinforced resin is a new high-strength material manufactured by kneading and dispersing CNF, a biomass material made from wood resources, into resins such as polypropylene. The […]
In Minnesota, synthetic biology firm Calyxt, Inc., has completed the first phase of a research collaboration aimed at developing a soybean capable of producing an oil capable of replacing palm oil in commercial applications. The collaboration with an unnamed, leading global food ingredient manufacturer based in Asia leverages Calyxt’s proprietary PlantSpring™ platform for engineering plant […]
In San Francisco, plant-based fur developer BioFluff has raised $500,000 in pre-seed funding. Participants included SOSV/IndieBio fund, Joyance partners, and Ataraxia Partners Limited. The funds will help the startup bring its first product to market next year, in collaboration with an unnamed, Paris-based fashion client. According to the company’s website, BioFluff is the first 100% […]
In France, Afyren, a greentech company that offers manufacturers biobased, low-carbon products made using technology based on natural micro-organisms, announced that it had signed a new multi-year contract to provide biobased organic acid to a U.S. maker of synthetic lubricants. The French firm noted that the customer is an active producer of Polyol Esters, which […]
