Category: Chemicals & Materials

Not PLA‑ying dead: Bioplastic skulls replace gory antler mounts

Not PLA‑ying dead: Bioplastic skulls replace gory antler mounts

December 22, 2025 |

In Utah, Bucks N Bull Skulls is using bioplastic polylactic acid filament to 3-D print animal skulls for mounting antlers – an alternative that is decidedly less gross than pressure washing, acid baths, and beetle colonies for stripping skulls of dead flesh. The skulls take 15 to 50 hours to print, depending on the species […]

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Funding flatlines: Meatable closes up shop

Funding flatlines: Meatable closes up shop

December 22, 2025 |

In the Netherlands, cultivated meat pioneer Meatable has failed to secure sufficient funding and is winding down operations. The company had been operating a 200-L bioreactor at a facility in Leiden. The announcement came from Agronomics, a Meatable investor, which said a review of strategic options concluded an “orderly wind-down” of the business was the […]

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“Sound” investment: Biobased acoustic panel maker Aisti receives €20 million EIB loan

“Sound” investment: Biobased acoustic panel maker Aisti receives €20 million EIB loan

December 22, 2025 |

In Finland, sustainable acoustics products firm Aisti has received a €20 million (US$23.4 million) loan from the European Investment Bank to scale production of biobased panels in Finland. Made out of wood fiber, Aisti’s acoustic tiles are a sustainable alternative to traditional ceiling panels, which contain mineral fibers and release potentially harmful particles into indoor […]

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Moo-ving millions: Those Vegan Cowboys lasso $7.3M for cow-free dairy

Moo-ving millions: Those Vegan Cowboys lasso $7.3M for cow-free dairy

December 22, 2025 |

In the Netherlands, dairy proteins startup Those Vegan Cowboys has raised €6.25 million (US$7.3 million) to bring animal-free casein to the US market in 2026. The protein is produced via precision fermentation using cells from Margaret, the company’s cow. Growing cells from Margaret has a much lower environmental footprint and is more humane that factory […]

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UPM touts key milestone at Leuna wood-based chemicals site

UPM touts key milestone at Leuna wood-based chemicals site

December 22, 2025 |

In Germany, UPM has reached a milestone at its wood-based chemicals biorefinery in Leuna, Germany: stable process separation of lignin and sugars. This critical step is a prerequisite for conversion of sugars to renewable glycols and lignin to renewable functional fillers. Earlier this year, the company successfully launched the hydrothermal breakdown of wood at the […]

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ÄIO wins $1.4M for animal-free fats and oils

ÄIO wins $1.4M for animal-free fats and oils

December 22, 2025 |

In Estonia, ÄIO, a biotechnology company developing sustainable, non-animal fats and oils via fermentation, has been awarded a €1.2 million (US$1.4 million) grant from Enterprise Estonia to advance its new FERM-OIL project. Over the next three years, the project will take ÄIO’s Flavoured Fat, a lipid-rich yeast biomass with umami taste and functional mouthfeel, from […]

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Creature comforts: Emirates unveils biobased amenity bags featuring endangered species

Creature comforts: Emirates unveils biobased amenity bags featuring endangered species

December 22, 2025 |

In Dubai, long-haul Emirates passengers flying Premium Economy or Economy Class will receive free amenity kits in a biobased bag containing plant-powered Aveda skincare products and information cards that highlight endangered species. “For the first time since its introduction in 2021, Emirates’ Premium Economy class will have its own unique amenity kit bag with a […]

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UAE ban on single-use plastics expected to lift PLA demand

UAE ban on single-use plastics expected to lift PLA demand

December 22, 2025 |

In the United Arab Emirates, the start of 2026 also ushers in a new era of eco-friendly packaging: starting January 1, the UAE will enforce a nationwide ban on plastic beverage cups, lids, cutlery, food containers, and straws, as part of its escalating campaign against single-use plastics. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment confirmed […]

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Lights, Camera, Compassion: Natalie Portman promotes Uncaged Innovations’ cruelty-free leather  alternative

Lights, Camera, Compassion: Natalie Portman promotes Uncaged Innovations’ cruelty-free leather  alternative

December 15, 2025 |

In New York, A-list star Natalie Portman has signed on to promote leather alternatives developed and manufactured by Uncaged Innovations. Portman, a long-standing advocate for animal welfare and ethical consumerism, will work with the company to promote the adoption of sustainable, animal-free materials within the luxury and fashion sectors. Founded by Stephanie Downs and biomaterials […]

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Time for snackies! Dogs love BeneMeat’s cultivated meat treats

Time for snackies! Dogs love BeneMeat’s cultivated meat treats

December 15, 2025 |

In Prague, BeneMeat, a cultivated meat company targeting pet food, revealed that 90% of dog owners participating in a 25-country “Try  & Share” lab-grown dog treat trial report that their dogs enjoyed the “treatos.” The trial, which is on its third month, also revealed 85% of respondents would buy the treats were they on the […]

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