In California, eco-friendly sneaker brand Allbirds is calling for more investment and innovation in natural materials. In an interview with design publication dezeen, the company’s head of sustainability says efforts to reduce carbon emissions in the sneaker industry are being hampered by the shortfall. “We lament how natural materials maybe don’t perform as well as […]
In Chicago, alternative seafood startup AquaCultured Foods claims to have produced the world’s first “whole muscle seafood alternative” via fermentation. The process uses fungi to produce seafood substitutes for products like calamari, shrimp, whitefish, and tuna. “Plant-based seafood is an area that has been notoriously lacking in options,” says Anne Palermo, CEO and cofounder, AquaCultured […]
In Germany, specialty chemicals giant Symrise AG has received an offer from Chr. Hansen Natural Colors A/S, now known as Oterra, to acquire its natural food coloring activities for an undisclosed sum. Symrise says it welcomes the offer, having decided to focus its flavor and nutrition segment on core business. “[The deal] supports our goal […]
In North Carolina, startup Biomason is making tiles and bricks out of bacteria to provide an alternative to cement, which is responsible for large amounts of carbon dioxide emissions. Cofounder and CEO Ginger Krieg Dosier tells Forbes that if cement were a country, it would be the world’s third largest emitter, behind China and the […]
In Oregon, Kanye West’s Yeezy sneaker line is set to drop three new designs made using algae-based foam. Dubbed Yeezy Foam Runner, the sneakers are made in the distinct Yeezy style and are offered in yellow and camouflage. They are expected to go on sale in July, while a red algae-foam Yeezy kick will be […]
In New York, sunglass company Christopher Cloos has added new styles to the biodegradable sunglass line it launched late last year with Greatest Of All Time quarterback Tom Brady under center as spokesman. The line focuses on classic shapes and designs and uses M49 Mazzucchelli, a bioplastic made in Italy and composed of cellulose acetate, […]
In California, Vans has introduced a vegan line of its iconic skate shoe. Dubbed Eco Theory, the sneakers use natural rubber for soles, organic cotton for uppers and laces made from jute. The sneakers are also lined with cork and made with sustainable inks and glue. Vans says it has made sure all materials are […]
In Finland, adidas has invested €3 million ($3.65 million) in the initial public offering of Spinnova, a company using wood and agricultural waste to make textile fibers. Spinnova raised €58 million, and says Adidas has indicated it wants “significant volumes” of the fiber when available. It is building its first facility in Finland with forestry […]
In Colombia, entrepreneur Héctor Mauricio Páez has developed biodegradable face masks made of cellulose paper with embedded seeds. Dubbed GreenGace, the mask can be planted instead of discarded. The mask itself breaks down in 1-2 months and the seed inside will germinate. The nature of the seeds contained in the masks was not specified. […]
In San Francisco, precision fermentation startup New Culture is targeting late 2023 for the launch of its animal-free mozzarella cheese. The company plans to partner with pizzerias to provide first access to the technology, which involves using fermentation to produce casein, the main protein in milk. Co-founder Matt Gibson tells FoodNavigator that New Culture’s cow-free […]
