In the United Kingdom, Formula One racing major McLaren is using a natural fiber composite in the seats of its competition car. Developed in collaboration with Bcomp, the flax fiber seat composite provides the requisite strength and low weight for a race car while creating 75% less carbon dioxide to make. Other attributes include vibration […]
In Vietnam, designer Uyen Tran has developed a renewable, leather-like material from food waste amid growing concern for the environmental and human health impacts of tanneries. Dubbed Tômtex, the material is made from waste shrimp cells and coffee grounds and, like animal leathers, is durable and soft. “I grew up in the city of Da […]
In London, clothing brand Vollebak has launched a compostable hoodie made from eucalyptus and dyed with pomegranate. Once the user wishes to dispose of the hoodie, all they have to do is add it to their compost heap or bury it in a garden. “The thing that makes it different is simply the way it […]
In California, algae-based materials startup Checkerspot has raised $36 million in a Series B round. The company says it will use the proceeds for commercial development and to expands its product platform. The Series B brings the company’s total funding to more than $50 million. Founded in 2016, Checkerspot uses advanced genomics, biotechnology, and biomanufacturing […]
In the United Kingdom, compostable bioplastics maker Biome Technologies says it has received its largest order ever. Valued at just over half a million, the company’s heat-stable materials will be used in coffee pod applications for an “existing major client” in the United States. The materials are due to be delivered within 8 weeks. “We […]
In Jaipur, designer and entrepreneur Spriha Chokhani is upcycling waste paper into furniture. Through her startup design studio Pulp Factory, founded in 2017, Chokhani produces a range 100% compostable papier-Mache furniture that can support up to 100 kg (220 lbs). The idea came to her during a school project at Srishti Institute of Art, Design, […]
In Bangladesh, a researcher known for promoting the use of jute has developed personal protective equipment made of jute and crab shells to help stop the spread of COVID-19 without creating further waste. Mubarak Ahmad Khan, adviser to Bangladesh Jute Mills Corporation, developed the biodegradable and non-toxic material using cellulose extracted from jute fiber and […]
In California, cultured meat pioneer Impossible Foods has raised an additional $200 million amid surging demand. The Series G funding will be used on research and development as well as increasing production capacity for its plant-based, biotech meat. “We’ve seen unprecedented demand, something like a 60x increase in our grocery business alone, which means we’re […]
In the United Kingdom, researchers at the University of Cambridge have demonstrated that 3-D printed artificial coral made of biopolymers, hydrogels, and cellulose nanomaterials are capable of being colonized by algae. The symbiotic relationship between algae and coral is key for replacing dwindling coral reefs, which provide a habitat for about a quarter of all […]
In New York, preppy fashion brand Ralph Lauren is investing in Natural Fiber Welding, a Peoria-Illinois-based startup developing a process to upcycle waste natural fibers into higher-performing materials. Founded in 2015, Natural Fiber Welding uses “precise manipulation of molecular bonding” to upgrade the performance of waste cotton and recycled fibers. Founder and CEO Luke Haverhals, […]
