In Malaysia, India and Singapore, a group of researchers has developed a process for converting pineapple leaf fibers into filaments for 3D printing. Combined with polylactic acid, the biodegradable filaments were shown in the journal Polymer Composites to have enhanced mechanical, crystalline, chemical bonding and thermal properties. “In particular, the characterization study reveals that the […]
In Japan, Toray Industries announced it has developed a new variety of Ultrasuede, a material which partially consists of 100% plant-based polyester. The company said Japanese airline All Nippon Airways (ANA) will adopt this developed material to the headrest covers in ANA Green Jet from November this year. Ultrasuede nu is a non-woven material for […]
In Finland, Huhtamaki, a global provider of sustainable packaging solutions, announced the launch of ICON packaging, a new paper technology, initially for use for ice cream containers and lids, which enables recycling in communities with paper product recycling programs across the United States. The new solution combines Huhtamaki’s proprietary water-based barrier coating with SFI-certified paperboard […]
In Minnesota, artist David Bowen has created an art installation in which a philodendron sends signals that spur movement in a machete-wielding robotic arm. Dubbed “plant machete,” the wall-mounted work uses an open-source micro-controller connected to the plant that translates electrical signals from plant’s leaves into motion, according to the artist’s website. Using custom software, […]
In Australia, bioplastics kettles and toasters produced by Philips Domestic Appliances are now available at local appliance retailer Bing Lee. Priced at $129 each, the Eco Collection uses plant oil waste in its bioplastic casings. Purchase will also trigger a tree planted in the Philippines under an agreement between Philips and EcoMatcher. “We are seeing […]
In Turkey, a designer has created packaging for soap using a biodegradable material comprised of artichoke leaves and peapods. Alara Ertenü tells designboom the material, which she named Packioli, helps repurpose artichoke waste, which comprises 80% of the crop in many cases. She adds Packioli is water resistant, meets the hygiene and durability needs of […]
In London, an annual survey of tanners conducted by International Leather Maker has revealed overwhelming interest in biobased carbon content for tanning chemicals. According to the results, 84% of tanners are or will be actively looking to source leather chemicals with 100% or partially biobased content. “This confirms recent trends and launches by a number […]
In Delaware, The LYCRA Company has signed an agreement with Qore® LLC to enable large-scale production of bio-derived spandex. Under the terms of the deal, The LYCRA Company will purchase biobased 1,4-butanediol produced by Qore®, a joint venture held by Cargill and HELM, for use in producing 70% renewable Lycra fiber. The new feedstock will […]
In Tokyo, consumer goods company Kao Corporation has joined a $120-million palm oil alternative venture launched earlier this year by Unilever and biobased chemicals producer Genomatica. The collaboration aims to commercialize an alternative to palm kernel oil being scaled by Genomatica. PKO is a precursor to multiple products in the home and personal care markets, […]
In Alberta, Canada, Flexible Solutions International, Inc. has announced the termination of its planned merger with Lygos Inc. FSI did not offer an explanation but did say in a press statement that the two companies “remain committed” to finding routes to sustainable aspartic acid and the myriad sustainable and biodegradable products that can be made […]
