In California, novelty sandal brand Sanuk has introduced three new styles that incorporate biobased and recycled materials and target fans of the Grateful Dead. Dubbed SustainaSole™ SANUK x GRATEFUL DEAD, the footwear feature the iconic Steal Your Face Grateful Dead album art, red and blue stitching, and tie-dye design elements. Biobased content includes jute […]
In the UK, a local city council is installing traffic-control pillars made out of a plant-based biopolymer. Commonly called bollards, such obstructions are meant to protect pedestrians from contact with vehicles—be it unintentional or otherwise—in high traffic areas. According to Hampshire County Council, the biobased bollards are lower weight—and thus easier and cheaper to install—than […]
In Atlanta, Delta has announced it will use bamboo and other biodegradable items for some single-use in-flight service items, such as cutlery. The new bamboo items will first be used for packaged meals in first class before rolling out to the plebs in the main cabin later this year. The airline expects the switch, as […]
In California, WNDR Alpine Skis has agreed to share its technology for incorporating algae-based materials into its products to help lift the sustainability profile of the entire sport. WNDR’s skis incorporate algae oil developed by its parent company, Checkerspot, into the core and sidewalls. Checkerspot has also been working with DPS, another ski maker, to […]
In Finland, forest-based fuels and chemicals maker UPM said its planned biobased ethylene glycol and propylene glycol plant at Leuna, German will be delayed about year, citing challenges stemming from the pandemic and widespread supply chain disruptions. “[T]he pandemic has materially slowed down the completion of the detailed engineering in Leuna,” says Jussi Pesonen, UPM […]
In New York, mycelium materials company Ecovative has launched Forager, a division focused on designing, marketing, and manufacturing mycelium-based materials and foams for the fashion and automotive industries. Grown on agricultural byproducts like corn husks, Forager’s pure mycelium materials are fully biodegradable and home compostable. Forager will utilize Ecovative’s AirMycelium™ technology to produce large sheets […]
In Edmonton, bioplastics maker TerraVerdae Bioworks Inc. has signed a binding letter of intent to acquire 100% of the equity in PolyFerm Canada, a company developing a portfolio of biobased and biodegradable elastomeric polymers known as medium chain length polyhydroxyalkanoate (mcl-PHAs). The addition of PolyFerm will enhance TerraVerdae’s ability to produce biopolymers and resins for […]
In Montreal, subversive artist Gab Bois has crafted a couch from burger and hot dog buns meant to resemble the vaguely loaf-like Camaleonda sofa popularized in the early 1970s by designer Mario Bellini. Bois’s work, dubbed Loafa, went viral after being shared by Estonian rapper Tommy Cash, who claimed IKEA had agreed to produce the […]
In Ecuador, an entire village has been planned using renewable construction materials, including 3-D-printed cacao waste. Complete with an education and research center and chocolate factory, Cacao Eco Village was conceived by Sydney-based architecture studio Valentino Gareri Atelier at the behest of chocolate manufacturer MUZE Cacao. The village is planned for the seaside town of […]
In Milan, luxury brand Valentino has introduced two sneakers designs made from recycled and renewable materials. Featuring uppers and sides made of viscose and polyurethane produced using corn-based polyols, the sustainable sneaks are available in the brand’s Open and Rockstud Untitled styles. The sneakers also include recycled polyester laces and rubber soles. A lifecycle assessment […]
