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. […]
In Thailand, biobased polylactic acid maker NatureWorks has received final permission from parent companies Cargill and GC International Corporation to build a $600 million, 75,000 metric tons per year production facility. The site at the Nakhon Sawan Biocomplex will produce lactic acid, lactide, and biopolymer. Construction is set to begin in the second quarter of […]
In Brazil, chemical company Dow, Inc. has announced that a cosmetics brand has joined its Project Ybá initiative aimed at sustainably extracting bioactives from the Amazon in a way that benefits local communities. Natura, the first commercial collaborator to join the project, will support the development of the local cooperative. It will also contribute its […]
In Boston, newly public synthetic biology firm Ginkgo Bioworks will undertake strain engineering services for Bolt Threads. Under the terms of the agreement, Gingko will use its platform to improve the “sustainability, efficiency and cost-effectiveness” of Bolt Threads’ b-silk protein manufacturing process. b-silk is currently available in premium product lines like Vegamour hair care products—which […]
In Shanghai, a startup is claiming that its fiber made from the Kapok tree is the most sustainable textile on the market. Kapok trees, which can be found widely in South America, West Africa, and Southeast Asia, produce large numbers of seeds that come protected by a fluffy fiber that has been used widely in […]
