In Germany, a startup is developing no-cocoa chocolate in an effort to address the climate and child-labor concerns surrounding the cocoa industry. QOA, which recently joined the Y Combinator technology accelerator, is using precision fermentation to produce ingredients that together resemble the flavor or cocoa. “Pretty much every food has a fingerprint, like a human […]
In Texas, a mortician/TikTok star has gone viral with a new offering for the deceased: the option to become a big “bath bomb” for burial at sea. Mortician Lupi demonstrated the concept, which is essentially a fast-dissolving urn made from salt that the bereaved can toss into the sea. The quirky funeral option has the […]
In Singapore, Shiok Meats has acquired a 90% stake in Gaia Foods, a company developing cultured meats including beef, pork, and mutton, for an undisclosed sum. Shiok Meats is known for cultured seafood, and in July announced funding for a production facility. Both companies are based in Singapore, which became the first country to approve […]
In Chicago, cultured meat startup Because, Animals aims to launch a treat for cats in 2022 that contains lab-grown mouse meat. Its first product, called Cultured Mouse Cookies for Cats, is ready for scale-up, although regulatory approval for commercial sales is still outstanding. The company is also working to develop lab-grown rabbit for dogs. “The […]
In New York, startup Helaina is using precision fermentation to produce breast milk that more closely mimics the real thing. Founder Laura Katz recently told The Spoon that Helaina’s proteins are 99% identical to breast milk, and has the same antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and immune-boosting characteristics. “Our goal is to replicate the immune equivalent proteins […]
In Germany, adidas has launched a new running shoe with a 3D printed, partially biobased midsole. Developed in conjunction with 3D printing prototype firm Carbon, the Tokyo Collection 4DFWD features a unique lattice midsole that is 39% biobased, although further details on content were not provided. The “precision-tuned” lattice converts vertical pressure into forward energy […]
In California, a popular producer of beachy flip-flops has announced a move into higher-end footwear, as well as a shift to more sustainable materials. REEF recently unveiled the Paipo sandal, which retails for $150 and features wood-based components as well as a footbed made from ethylene vinyl acetate derived from sugarcane. “Its 51% bio content […]
In Washington, outdoor lifestyle brand REI Co-op has released two new athletic shoes featuring biobased and recycled materials. The Traverse shoe features a midsole made from algae-based foam developed by REI partner Bloom. Senior product manager for footwear at REI Bennett Grimes says the material has both performance and sustainability benefits. “The cool thing is […]
In San Francisco, JINS Eyewear has released a new line of biodegradable sunglasses. Launched in the United States as part of its JINS&SUN brand, the frames use M49, a bioplastic developed by Italy’s Mazzucchelli to replace acetate. M49 contains “a high amount” of plant-based material, including cotton fiber and wood pulp, and can be quickly […]
In California, clothing brand Vollebak has been growing black algae in ponds to be used as dyes in T-shirts, enabling the garment to absorb CO2 for as much as a century. Traditionally, black garments are dyed with synthetic chemicals made from carbon black extracted from tar sands, a process with a sizable environmental impact. […]
