In Norway, three companies have been recognized by the The Future is Fungi award, which was launched in 2023 to recognize pioneers in using fungal biotechnology to address global challenges in food, personal care, and waste management. Out of 187 entrants, Michroma took the stop prize for its use of fungi to produce natural food […]
In the United Kingdom, a company converting biobased polymers and biochar—a byproduct of pyrolyzing agricultural waste—into a compostable alternative to polystyrene foam is set to begin scaling production. Dubbed Carbon Cell, the foam is lightweight, insulating, protective, and insulating. It also sequesters carbon. CEO Elisabeth Lee told design publication dezeen that its largest market is […]
In Spain, Moeve and Honeywell have expanded an existing collaboration for scaling biobased linear alkylbenzene production technologies. LAB is used to produce linear alkylbenzene sulfonate, the main surfactant in the production of commonly used household detergents. Moeve’s technology to produce NextLab-R, the first LAB produced at industrial scale using renewable raw materials, will be made […]
In Germany, the German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf and LEKI Lenhart GmbH have created a hiking pole made from hemp and other raw materials. They hope the concept will demonstrate sustainable materials’ suitability for demanding outdoor recreation markets. Using pultrusion, the hiking pole’s shaft was made from regionally harvested hemp fibers. The […]
In North Carolina, designer Gabriel Mejia-Estrella has created a working synthesizer made from cardboard and walnut. A recent graduate in Music Technology from University of North Carolina Asheville, Mejia-Estrella was inspired to create the unique synth because unlike elegant and often aesthetically pleasing instruments like guitars or pianos, traditional synths are largely unattractive, more akin […]
In Florida, a company named Peelware has created a new concept in disposable plates: renewable “stacked” paper plates where you simply peel off the dirtied top plate to reveal clean plates underneath. Dubbed Peel Plate, the stack is comprised of 15 ultra-thin peelable layers, with a thick base to keep structural integrity. The material is […]
In Dubai, Emirates Biotech has introduced a range of polylactic acid biopolymers, with pre-marketing beginning for customers throughout the Middle East. Dubbed Embio, the early volumes will make it easier for regional converters, brand owners, and packaging manufacturers to begin application development. The Embio portfolio PLA grades suitable for rigid and flexible packaging, coated paperboard, […]
In China, Yangtze River Delta Carbon Fiber and Composite Materials Technology Innovation Center and Michelin (Shanghai) Polymers Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of the French tire giant, have partnered to jointly develop high-performance biobased composites. The partnership will leverage CCIC’s platform resources for research, development, and industrialization of biobased resin systems and Michelin’s ResiCare technology, which […]
In Denmark, Chromologics has raised €7 million (US$8.1 million) to advance its fermentation-based food colors toward commercialization. Specifically, the funds will be used to complete regulatory submissions for its Natu.Red® red dye with the European Food Safety Authority and the US Food and Drug Administration. It will also support launch and scale-up. Participants in the […]
In Thailand, chemical giant BASF has inaugurated a new manufacturing facility for the biobased surfactant alkyl polyglucoside. APGs are biobased, readily biodegradable, mild secondary surfactants. The investment at Bangpakong strengthens BASF’s position in a growth geography and serves customers with greater agility and more flexibility, according to a press statement. “This investment reinforces our commitment […]
