In Finland, forest products maker Stora Enso says its pilot plant for lignin-based battery materials is now online. Dubbed Lignode, the material is a wood-based carbon that could be used in electric vehicles, consumer electronics, and large-scale energy storage systems. The global battery market is set to grow ten-fold over the next decade. “With our […]
In California, vegan cheese startup Nobell Foods has raised $75 million to tackle perhaps one of the biggest hurdles to adopting a vegan diet: creating a stretchy alternative to cheese. The key to gooey, cheesy goodness lies in casein, a protein found in dairy products that provides that super satisfying stretch when you separate a […]
In Germany, a multidisciplinary team from the Universities of Freiburg and Stuttgart has created a load-bearing structure using robotically wound flax fiber. The pavilion, dubbed livMatS, combines 15 components comprised of flax fiber, including a truss structure, corner reinforcements, and structural bracing. It is 100% renewable and weighs one and a half tons. A polycarbonate […]
In New York, investment advisors Raymond James initiated coverage of Origin Materials with a Market Perform rating. Renowned sector analyst Pavel Molchanov wrote that “PET resin alone is a $145 billion market, and penetration of bio-based plastics is sub-1%…bio-based plastics are an important means of decarbonizing the chemical industry. With producers as well as consumers […]
In the US, undergarment manufacturer Gelmart will soon release a bra with padding made from sugarcane. Vogue Business noted that the sustainable brassiere will be available in August and would be a major step forward for a clothing category that has been at for forefront of tackling inclusivity but has lagged in sustainability performance. “There’s […]
In Phoenix, plant-based fiber firm Footprint has reached a naming rights deal for the city’s basketball arena. The stadium is home to both the Phoenix Suns and the Phoenix Mercury and seats 18,000. Financial terms were not disclosed, but the Footprint Center will increase the use of biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable products in its concessions. […]
In the US, rock band My Chemical Romance has partnered for a second makeup line with vegan cosmetics maker HipDot. Inspired by the band’s 2010 album, Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys, the set includes eyeliner, primer, and lip gloss. The individual products are named after the band’s stage monikers Party Poison, […]
In Illinois, plant-based leather alternative firm Natural Fiber Welding has received an unspecified investment from BMW i Ventures, the investment arm of BMW. Dubbed Mirium, Natural Fiber Welding’s material has a carbon footprint 40 times lower than animal leather and 17 times less than polyurethane leather alternatives. BMW has begun using vegan leather in certain […]
In France, cultured foie gras startup Gourmey has raised $10 million and announced plans to expand into cultured poultries, including duck, chicken and turkey. The funding was led by Point Nine and Air Street Capital. Heartcore, Partech Bpifrance, and the European Commission also participated. “Poultry is the most consumed and fastest growing meat on the […]
In Switzerland, leading food company Nestlé has announced a partnership with Israeli startup Future Meat to evaluate how cultured meat can be incorporated into Nestlé products. Nestlé says the investment complements its work in alternative proteins, like vegan meats and pea-based dairy milk. “We have been investing in our protein expertise and the development of […]
