In Massachusetts, two bioplastic makers have signed a letter of intent to codevelop sustainable materials using their respective products. CJ BIO and NatureWorks—leading producers of polyhydroxyalkanoate and polylactic acid, respectively—say the LOI is the first step toward a Master Collaboration Agreement. The companies will work together to develop sustainable materials solutions based on CJ BIO’s […]
In Boston, foodtech company Motif FoodWorks says it has received unspecified funding from Footprint Coalition Ventures, an investment firm founded by Marvel star Robert Downey Jr. Motif uses precision fermentation to produce ingredients that mimic animal muscle protein, while plant proteins and plant-based carbohydrates help it achieve meat-like texture. “If plant-based foods are going to […]
In the UK, researchers have produced a comic book about biobased products to help schoolchildren in the region get excited about the bioeconomy. Set in 2064, the plot sees Green Kid go back in time to the 2020s to check on how scientific research is creating green solutions to create a circular economy and help […]
In the Netherlands, Studio MOM has developed a 100% biodegradable bike helmet made from the root structure of fungus and hemp textiles. Dubbed MyHelmet, the protective gear was designed by Alessandra Sisti, a junior designer at Studio MOM, as her graduation project from the Politecnico di Milano’s Design and Engineering masters program. The helmet is […]
In New York, plant-based honey producer MeliBio partnered with Eleven Madison Park, a pricey plant-based restaurant in Manhattan boasting three Michelin stars, to offer a four-course honey-themed lunch in honor of World Bee Day. According to MeliBio’s press release, invited guests joined from around the world, including over two-dozen conservation leaders, investors, government officials, and […]
In Michigan, leading dental flosser brand Plackers has introduced 100% biodegradable flossers made from natural silk floss, coconut coating, and PHA bioplastic sourced from Danimer Scientific. Dubbed EcoChoice, the flossers will “gently clean between your teeth while also caring for the planet” by decomposing in a home or industrial composter after just 26 weeks, Plackers […]
In the Netherlands, Ballast Nedam Development is planning eight houses with prefab straw panels. The design was the result of a contest dubbed “Nature House,” or Natuurhuis in Dutch, to develop materials for climate-positive housing. The first pilot project will take place in Heeze in the province of Noord-Brabant. “The Nature House fulfils the high […]
In New York, mycelium textiles producer Ecovative has welcomed fashion brand Reformation into its Fashion for Good Cooperative and inked a separate deal with Wolverine Worldwide to evaluate its leather alternatives for use in Wolverine’s footwear. Ecovative’s products are completely biobased, free of toxic chemicals, fully compostable, and grown on agricultural byproducts such as woodchips […]
In Portugal, chemical major Solvay has announced an undisclosed investment in Suanfarma’s Lisbon manufacturing site to support production of natural ingredients via fermentation. This transaction, to be completed by mid-2023, is the first step of a long-term strategic alliance with Suanfarma. The expanded capacity will enable Solvay to grow its capabilities for natural ingredients in […]
In California, a wellness brand best known for questionable health advice, occasionally tone-deaf promotion of ultra-luxury items, and A-list founder Gwyneth Paltrow has launched a self-deprecating publicity stunt to call attention to diaper taxes in the US. The Goop campaign began with an Instagram post introducing “The Diapér,” an over-the-top luxurious diaper lined with virgin […]
