Category: Chemicals & Materials

Coca-Cola unveils paper bottle prototype

Coca-Cola unveils paper bottle prototype

November 2, 2020 |

In Atlanta, mega-brand Coca-Cola has revealed an initial prototype for a paper bottle it hopes can be recycled with household paper recycling streams. Developed in partnership with Paboco (PAper BOttle COmpany), the prototype does contain a closure and liner made from recycled plastic, but the pop manufacturer aims to eventually develop packaging without a liner. […]

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Google goes green, pledges 50% renewable or recycled materials by 2025

Google goes green, pledges 50% renewable or recycled materials by 2025

November 2, 2020 |

In California, google has pledged to replace half of the materials used in its products, which include speakers and smartphones, with renewable or recycled materials by 2025. An interim target, to include recyclable materials in all its products by 2022, has already been met for the tech giant’s Pixel and Nest devices. “Our new 50% […]

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Paramedic brother inspires London designer to develop bioplastic PPE

Paramedic brother inspires London designer to develop bioplastic PPE

November 2, 2020 |

In London, a designer has produced bioplastic face shields using food waste and flowers from the city’s parks. Dubbed Dance Biodegradable Personal Protective Equipment (DBPPE) Post Covid Facemasks, inventor Alice Potts tells dezeen the 20 prototype face masks are biodegradable and vary in color, depending on what flowers are used in its production. “The food […]

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Popular diaper brand goes plant-based

Popular diaper brand goes plant-based

November 2, 2020 |

In Cincinnati, ubiquitous diaper brand Pampers says its new Pampers Pure line features a plant-based liner enriched with shea butter, a 100% renewable moisturizer derived from the fat of the shea nut. Procter & Gamble, which produces Pampers, says the enriched liner “helps keep baby’s skin hydrated while also serving as a barrier between the […]

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North Carolina company to launch plant-based hair

North Carolina company to launch plant-based hair

November 2, 2020 |

In North Carolina, a local entrepreneur has developed synthetic hair made from natural materials. Ciara May tells bizjournals her company, Rebundle, was founded in 2019 to replace the synthetic hair extensions commonly used by black women for braiding with a biodegradable alternative that does not contain irritants or toxic chemicals. “Last summer I experienced severe […]

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Kalion wins DOE grant to advance glucaric acid

Kalion wins DOE grant to advance glucaric acid

November 2, 2020 |

In Massachusetts, bioengineering company Kalion has been picked to receive $5.7 million in US Department of Energy Funding to work jointly with the Agile BioFoundry to advance biobased glucaric acid. Working with National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, and Argonne National Laboratory from the ABF consortium, Kalion Inc. will […]

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Steaks in space: Foodtech eyes cultured meat for astronauts

Steaks in space: Foodtech eyes cultured meat for astronauts

October 26, 2020 |

In Israel, cultured meat startup Aleph Farms has formed the Aleph Zero cultured meat project to  one day enable astronauts to enjoy steak on a Mars mission, without the hassle of sending an actual cow into space. A key challenge of long-distance space exploration is the need to cultivate food in difficult environments. Sending bovine […]

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Protecting Japan’s sacred deer with edible bags

Protecting Japan’s sacred deer with edible bags

October 26, 2020 |

In Nara, Japan, a local man has created an edible packaging material from rice bran and milk cartons after several of the city’s sacred deer died after ingesting plastic bags. Hidetoshi Matsukawa, a souvenir wholesaler at the popular tourist destination, developed Shikagami, or deer paper, in partnership with a local design firm and paper company. […]

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Worth a shot: Bacardi to launch biodegradable spirits bottle

Worth a shot: Bacardi to launch biodegradable spirits bottle

October 26, 2020 |

In Bermuda, spirituous beverage giant Bacardi has announced it will launch polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) bioplastic bottles that biodegrade in 18 months. The new packaging, which will be on shelves by 2023, will eliminate 3,000 tons of plastic from circulation. BACARDI rum  will be the first spirit to appear in the new bottle, before the new material […]

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Young entrepreneurs develop plant-based hair extensions

Young entrepreneurs develop plant-based hair extensions

October 26, 2020 |

In Detroit, two University of Michigan graduates have developed a process to convert a nuisance plant into environmentally-friendly hair extensions. Nana Britwum and Jannice Newson tell Crain’s they founded their company, Lillian Augusta, to commercialize “hair without harm.” Formulated for black women, the extensions use phragmites, an invasive plant with fibrous characteristics. Britwun and Newson […]

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