In Germany, researchers at the Goethe University Frankfurt and PlastX have found that bioplastics contain toxic chemicals similar to those found in petrochemical plastics. The team investigated 43 biodegradable and biobased products, including wine corks, drinking bottles, chocolate packaging, and disposable tableware. Analysis showed that 80% of products contained over a thousand chemical substances. “Three-quarters […]
In Singapore, development of plant-based and cell-cultured food is accelerating as the COVID-19 pandemic draws into sharp relief both the impact of climate change and the small nation’s overreliance on food imports. Currently, approximately 90% of Singapore’s food has to be imported. The country aims to cut this to less than 30% by 2030. Local […]
In Israel, plant-based food coloring firm Phytolon has raised $4.1 million to advance products to market and support collaborations with potential clients. Founded in 2018 by Halim Jubran and Tal Zeltzer—now CEO and CTO—Phytolon uses technology licensed from Weizmann Institute of Science. Investors include Millennium Food-Tech, EIT Food, Trendlines Group, former CEO of Elbit Systems […]
In Sioux City, Nebraska, starch products company Ingredion, Inc. has inaugurated a protein isolates manufacturing facility. The proteins are used for nutrition, health, and wellness products. “We’re excited to take this next step to further advance our specialties strategy and capitalize on the global trends shaping the food industry,” says James P. Zallie, president and […]
In Japan, cell culture products company IntegriCulture has been awarded a ¥240 million ($2.2 million) government grant to build a commercial bioreactor facility. Founded by Yuki Hanyu in 2015, IntegriCulture’s first product was a cell-culture foie gras. The company says its next product will be a cultured serum for cosmetics—set to launch in spring—followed by […]
In Israel, 3-D printed steak startup Meat-Tech 3D Ltd. is planning to buy an unnamed cultured fat company for $17.5 million and plans to list soon on the Nasdaq. Meat-Tech 3D Ltd. uses in-vitro cells to produce cultured meat using 3D printing. The acquisition will help the company “[print] the complete steak in the laboratory […]
In Australia, researchers have found that Gen-Z is wary of lab-grown meat despite reporting concerns for personal health, the environment, and animal welfare. Usually defined as those born between 1995 and 2012, researchers at University of Sydney and Curtin University found that almost three-quarters of Gen-Z report not being “ready” for meat grown in the […]
In Brooklyn, New York, an up-and-coming sneaker brand is beta-testing sneakers made almost entirely from plants. Designed by Dave Costello and Micah Heftman, the Kengos Lace-up boasts 98% plant-based content thanks to an upper made from corn-based, breathable fabric Amaize; an upper body made from eucalyptus fabric that temperature regulates and absorbs sweat; a midsole […]
In Sri Lanka, two entrepreneurs are working to launch a biodegradable, antimicrobial alternative to the N95 mask widely used to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Dubbed Mel-Cotta, the masks are made from banana stalk fibers and coated with honey and propolis, a resin made by bees to seal hives. They were developed by David Churches […]
In California, GreenTek Packaging has launched what it says is the first-ever disposable cutlery made from hemp. The Hemptensils line of forks, spoons, and knives are 100% plant-based and compostable but have a shelf life of more than four years. They are currently available on GreenTek’s site as well as Amazon. The hemp is currently […]
