In Spain, a European Union-funded project is looking to develop economically viable products from citrus waste. The project is being led by Aitiip Centro Tecnológico. Partners include Spanish supermarket chain Eroski and AMC Innova Juice and Drinks. The first phase used the peels and pulp of citrus to manufacture a bioplastic, which the group used […]
In the Netherlands, BioBuddi has patented toy construction blocks made of biobased plastic developed in collaboration with Wageningen University. The blocks are set to launch this month and be the first of a line of toys intended to promote carbon-neutral production and biobased materials. Other toys, such as puzzles, will be available later this year. […]
In the Netherlands, DSM and Sympatex Technologies have partnered to produce a biobased thermoplastic elastomer for the sports and apparel value chain. Sympatex is a membrane manufacturer serving high-performance apparel industries. Sympatex uses Arnitel to produce waterproof, windproof, and breathable membranes for sports applications. The new Arnitel has more than 25% biobased content by weight. […]
In Maryland and New York, researchers are finding innovative ways to incorporate natural materials into construction. At the University of Maryland, researchers have made transparent wood that is harder than glass and could be used as windows. The process involves coating wood in hydrogen peroxide, leaving it under UV light, then soaking it in […]
In Iceland, a designer is turning waste animal bones and skin into vessels and meat packaging, respectively. Valdís Steinarsdóttir says the “The Just Bones” project is turning animal skin into bioplastic to be used to package that same meat for sale. She is also grinding animal bones down to powder and mixing it with a […]
In Europe, conservationists are evaluating the use of living, self-repairing glue to help lower the region’s high costs of preserving historic buildings and monuments. The bacterial paste, being researched at Bath University, may be able to regenerate ancient stone, according to the European Commission. The university has shown that injecting bacterial spores into concrete can […]
In South America, the region’s largest McDonald’s franchisee has announced it will substitute plastic trays for more sustainable materials. Arcos Dorados Holdings has contracted Israel’s UBQ Materials to provide the new material, which is made from household wastes such as food leftovers, paper, cardboard, and mixed plastics. Initially, over 7,000 trays will be introduced in […]
In Maine, the US Department of Energy has awarded the University of Maine $2.8 million to develop an additive for 3D manufacturing of wind turbine blades. The grant will see large wind blade molds printed at UMaine’s Composite Center, home to the world’s largest polymer 3D printer, according to Habib Dagher, executive director of UMaine’s […]
In New York, IFF and DuPont’s Nutrition & Biosciences business are set to close their mega-merger. First announced in 2019, the Reverse Morris Trust transaction creates a global leader in high-value ingredients and solutions for the Food and Beverage, Home and Personal Care and Health and Wellness markets, with estimated 2020 pro forma revenue of […]
In Massachusetts, thermoplastic films and adhesives company Bemis has launched a partially renewable seam adhesive for the garment industry. Dubbed Sewfree 3700, the adhesive is made using 25% biobased Susterra® propanediol produced by DuPont Tate & Lyle Bio Products. The adhesive is engineered to replace elastics and bulky sewn seams in garments. “It allows for […]
