In Nebraska, U.S. Senators Pete Ricketts (R) and Chris Coons (DE) have introduced the Renewable Chemicals Act, which would provide a targeted, short-term tax credit for qualifying renewable chemicals or an investment tax credit for renewable chemical production facilities. The bill would incentivize the development of additional markets for Nebraska farmers and create chemical industry […]
In New York, an industrial designer and researcher affiliated with Parsons School of Design has created an 8-gigabyte hard drive out of mushrooms. “Soft Drive,” created by Sree Krishna Pillarisetti, is a portable drive with a case made of mycelium, hemp, and the bioplastic polylactic acid. This see-through case protects a memory card and heat […]
In Australia, researchers at Deakin University have created a biodegradable plastic from avocado peels, stale bread, and sago palm starch. The material, which is detailed in the journal Matter, can be used in food packaging, and biomedical and environmental applications. “This method leverages underutilized waste materials, offering a cost-effective and environment-friendly alternative to conventional bioplastics,” […]
In Switzerland, biobased plastics company Vioneo has announced it is relocating its first planned project from Antwerp, Belgium to China. The company, which aims to convert biobased methanol into polyethylene and polypropylene, said relocating its first plant to China allows it to tap into a commercial-scale biobased methanol supply. “Our overall mission remains unchanged: scale […]
In Delaware, Covation Biomaterials LLC has agreed to sell its interest in Primient Covation LLC, the world’s largest producer of 100% biobased 1,3 propanediol. Following the transaction, Primient will continue to supply CovationBio with BioPDO under a long-term supply agreement for Covation’s production of partially biobased Sorona® polymer, which is used globally as a sustainable […]
In Illinois, biobased ethyl acetate producer Viridis has stopped construction of its first large-scale production plant. According to Chemical and Engineering News, work on the nearly completed Peoria site was halted by investor EIV Capital, which cited a declining market for biobased chemicals declined throughout 2025. Higher costs, particularly due to tariffs, also contributed to […]
In Chicago, a fermentation startup converting cellulose into seafood alternatives has wound down operations after failing to raise funds necessary to reach commercialization. Established in 2020, Aqua Cultured Foods told Green Queen it was unable to secure funding without taking on undue risk. “Despite meaningful technical and market progress, we reached a point where the […]
In Nevada, Mercedes-Benz has showcased a new, vegan-interior GLC electronic SUV at the recent CES technology trade show in Las Vegas. Vegan materials were used for upholstery, steering wheel, door trims, pillars, and carpets. A leather-like synthetic material dubbed ARTICO was used for some of the elements, while biobased, wool and cruelty-free animal-derived fibers, and […]
In France, biobased chemicals maker Futerro has requested the relevant permits for its planned lactic acid and polylactic acid plant in France. The plant, which will be located in Port-Jérôme, in the Caux Seine region, will produce lactic acid, lactide and PLA using sugar from corn or wheat as feedstock. PLA is a biopolymer with […]
In Spain, researchers at University of Seville have found that biodegradable tableware made from wheat straw or bran can trigger reactions in gluten-sensitive individuals. The research, conducted by Ángela Ruiz-Carnicer and Isabel Comino, involved 30-minute experiments where gluten-free food was placed on different biodegradable tableware. The food was then evaluated for gluten content. Rice and […]
