In New Zealand, two bakeries have announced plans to eliminate plastic bread clips—the ubiquitous doohickeys used to better seal bread packaging and keep loaves fresh—and replace them with a cardboard alternative. While bread clips are pretty small, the size of the bakeries making the switch adds up to a fairly significant figure in terms of […]
In London, sustainability-focused fashion house Stella McCartney has created a version of its Eclypse sneaker made entirely from plant-based or recycled materials. Dubbed Reclypse, the sneaker features a recycled polyester upper, vegan leather panels, lining made from recycled nylon and post-consumer waste, and plant-based soles. The shoes are hand-made in Italy and will be available […]
In South Korea, LG Chem is investing ₩2.6 trillion ($2.2 billion) to build an eco-friendly materials production complex, including manufacturing using biobased raw materials. The facility at Seosan will include 10 production plants, all set to come online by 2028. Products will include poly butylene adipate-co-terephthalate, a material that breaks down in nature via oxygen, […]
In the United Kingdom, fans at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium can cut down on waste while simultaneously addressing their caffeine and sugar cravings. The stadium, which is host to Premier League’s Manchester United, will begin selling coffee and other hot beverages in cups made out of cookies, beginning this weekend. The cups are made by […]
In Finland, renewable textile firm Spinnova has partnered with The North Face to improve the sustainability profile of outdoor apparel. Spinnova’s fiber is made from wood pulp and boasts lower water and carbon dioxide emissions than other renewable and synthetic textile materials. “It’s our over-arching goal to build more circular products, constantly develop innovative materials […]
In Himachal, India, a startup is using apple orchard waste to manufacturing biodegradable, single-use tableware such as plates, forks, and knives. Specifically, Himjoy Enterprises is using the tons of twigs and branches that come from pruning apple trees to maintain the orchard’s health and productivity. The business was cofounded by Bhanu Uday Singh Kanwar and […]
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 […]
