In Malaysia, The Malaysian Reserve reported that Sumisaujana Group Bhd’s wholly owned unit SumiSaujana TCM Chemicals Sdn Bhd (SSTCM) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China’s Zangjiagang CoolisT Life Technology Co Ltd (CoolisT Group) to jointly develop and commercialize bio-based polyols from renewable vegetable oils. These polyols will be used in polyurethane foams […]
In Switzerland, scientists at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne have converted shellfish shells into claws that grip, not unlike the prize-filled claw machines found in arcades. The team found that the combination of strength and flexibility seen in the shells of langoustines makes them a sustainable alternative to metal claws. They added an elastic material […]
In Australia, design studios Heliograf and Vert Design have jointly developed a biodegradable alternative to whimsical—but polluting—plastic fish-shaped soy sauce containers often seen with to-go sushi. Dubbed Holy Carp!, the new soy sauce packets loosely resemble their playful predecessor, but are made from compostable bagasse pulp. The joint project follows an earlier lamp design where […]
In California, a University of San Diego graduate student has won a $15,000 scholarship to advance her pineapple leaf hair ties. Sage Dobby, who cofounded Piña Designs based on the idea, won the award after pitching the biodegradable solution to USD’s 7th Annual Fowler Business Concept Challenge. “We wanted to create a product that helped […]
In Santa Cruz, California, Swellcycle is working to make surfboards more earth- and ocean-friendly by leveraging 3D printing and renewable and recycled materials. Most surfboards are carved out of blocks of petroleum-based foam, and estimates suggest nearly half of the foam goes to waste. Swellcycle’s boards, however, are made from bioplastic 3-D printed filament made […]
In Brooklyn, CRÈME Architecture and Design has demonstrated a concept that uses gourds to create biodegradable coffee cups. Dubbed The Gourd Project, CRÈME used 3D-printed molds to grow gourds into desired shapes. Once dried, the gourds naturally became watertight. The entire cycle takes about six weeks and each gourd cup can be used three to […]
In Italy, swimwear brand Arena has signed a deal to source biobased LYCRA fibers for its new Vitalife line. Dubbed EcoMade, LYCRA’s plant-based elastomer fibers are 70% plant-based with the same elasticity, strength, and ultraviolet and chlorine resistance as its 100% petroleum-derived counterparts. According to Textile Today, Sahika Ercumen, a Turkish freediver, called the line […]
In San Diego, performance recovery brand NAMU has launched SL01, a recovery slide made from Algenesis Labs’ biobased Soleic-brand polyurethane. NAMU calls it the recovery sandal “engineered for both performance and environmental responsibility.” The slide features NAMU’s Recovery Arch Support System, which is designed to ensure proper foot alignment and function with every step. “Soleic® […]
In Spain, the Plastics Technology Centre AIMPLAS has launched the SOLRESS project, a four‑year initiative to turn post‑consumer coffee grounds and lignocellulosic biomass into five renewable industrial solvents. Backed by €7 million (US$7.7 million) from the Circular Bio‑based Europe Joint Undertaking, the project aims to replace fossil‑derived raw materials with biobased alternatives that meet industrial […]
In London, BSF Enterprise PLC has announced a £15-million (US$19.9-million) fundraise to advance its Lab-Grown Leather technology, with the ultimate goal of showcasing the world’s first T-Rex leather in 2026. The headline-grabbing innovation is possible by incorporating “uniquely defined DNA” derived from the prehistoric animal, and plans for the exhibit are being finalized in partnership […]
