In Norway, biochemical firm Circa Group said it has launched the Circa Renewable Chemistry Institute at the University of York’s Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence (GCCE) in the UK, with the aim of advancing and promoting the development and commercialization of renewable chemistry. The Circa Renewable Chemistry Institute is a new industrial innovation hub, with […]
In the Netherlands, polymer manufacturer LyondellBasell, converter Granger Frères SAS and Novacel, a specialist in surface solutions, have worked together to develop protective films using polyethylene (PE) polymers made from renewable resources. The partners said the new product is being commercialized under the name “OXYGEN vegetal” and can be used on all types of surfaces, […]
In Germany, BASF said it has signed a partnership contract with RiKarbon Inc., a U.S.-based technology start-up, to exclusively license and commercialize proprietary technology from RiKarbon. BASF noted that RiKarbon’s patented technology allows the up-cycling of bio-waste into bio-based, biodegradable emollients for the global personal care market. BASF also said it intends to bring the […]
In Switzerland, supermarket chain Migros has introduced the world’s first capsule-less coffee system for coffee pod machines. Dubbed CoffeeB, the convenient and eco-friendly alternative to the ubiquitous—and wasteful—Keurig-style coffee pods uses a natural and compostable encapsulating material produced by Delica. The material also protects against oxygen loss, ensuring your cup of joe stays fresh. “With […]
In San Francisco, Prolific Machines has emerged from stealth mode and announced $42 million in funding for its scalable cultivated meat platform. Backers in the “massively oversubscribed” seed and Series A financings include a long list of major foodtech investors and celebrities. The seed round was led by Arvind Gupta at Mayfield, the first investor […]
In Berlin, watchmaker Lilienthal Berlin has designed a watch made from used coffee grounds that it claims retains that invigorating smell for quick aromatherapy pick-me-ups on the go. The timepiece, named Coffee Watch, retails for $349 and is available in colors like Americano and Macchiato. It uses material invented by Kaffeeform, a German company that […]
In France, a startup is converting mussel byssus—the threadlike extensions mussels use to adhere to rocks—into textile fibers. Founded just 13 months ago by Robin Maquet and Florence Baron, Bysco has partnered with the region’s mussel farmers and aims to produce 35,000 square feet of the material within the next two years. Bysco meets demand […]
In France, animal-free dairy protein startup Standing Ovation has closed a an oversubscribed €12 million (US$12 million) Series A financing round, with participation from several leading foodtech VCs. The company will use the cash to accelerate development and scaleup of animal-free casein and cheese substitutes as well as begin the regulatory approval process. The round […]
In Switzerland, food and beverage giant Nestlé will begin piloting production of animal-free dairy proteins at a recently inaugurated R&D Accelerator. Using precision fermentation technology developed by California’s Perfect Day, the proteins are identical to whey found in cow’s milk but are more environmentally friendly to produce. “As the world’s largest food and beverage company, […]
In San Francisco, renewable footwear pioneer Allbirds has expanded its material slate into rice hulls and citrus peels with a new sneaker called Plant Pacer. Available for $135, the vegan leather shoe is made with Mirum, an agricultural waste-based material produced by Natural Fiber Welding, an Illinois-based startup Allbirds invested $2 million in last year. […]
