In Singapore and China, researchers are using fruit peel waste to recycle old lithium batteries. The method involves using orange peels to recover precious metals from battery waste, which could then be used in the production of new batteries. The work was done by a collaboration between Nanyang Technological University and NTU Singapore “Current industrial […]
In Kanpur, India, a “flowercycling” startup has raised Rs 10+ crore ($120,000) to convert flower waste from the region’s temples into vegan leather. The company, named Phool, was founded by Ankit Agarwal in 2017 to keep the 8 tons of floral waste generated daily by the city’s temples and mosques from being dumped into the […]
In London, a fashion graduate has designed a shape-shifting, biodegradable dress using algae extract and waste from the silk industry. Scarlett Yang, who recently graduated from Central Saint Martins, used molds and renewable materials to make the dress, which has a glass-like appearance. To avoid the massive amounts of waste usually normally generated by clothing […]
In Denmark, food ingredients firm Chr. Hansen has announced a 2025 strategy that includes becoming a “differentiated bioscience leader” with a focus on its microbial and fermentation platforms. The company says megatrends such as a growing world population, demographic shifts, increasing health awareness and a strong climate change agenda support this strategy. “At Chr. Hansen, […]
In New Jersey, consumer products giant RB has launched a plant-based laundry care brand exclusively for amazon. Dubbed Botanical Origin, the brand will include a laundry detergent that is 67% biobased and a fabric softener that is 71% biobased. Both products have their biobased content certified by the United States Department of Agriculture. “We saw […]
In Chicago, an extensive survey conducted by agribusiness giant ADM shows a clear consumer shift to plant-based protein during the COVID-19 pandemic. Consumers also report significant interest in improving their gut health, immunity and emotional wellbeing through nutrition. “Consumers’ attitudes, priorities and behaviors are shifting significantly,” Ana Ferrell, Vice President of Marketing at ADM, tells […]
Despite widespread appeal among consumers, plant-based meat still faces a significant challenge to taking a meaningful chunk of the American meat market: price. According to an in-depth feature by explanatory journalism site Vox.com, “meatless meat” makes up less than 1% of US meat consumption. It also costs significantly more; the outlet notes that a pound […]
In New York, the National Advertising Division of BBB National Programs is pushing Procter & Gamble to be more transparent about the plant-based content of its Purclean detergent brand. While the detergent packaging does note that it contains only three-quarters biobased content, The NAD says consumers are likely to conclude the entire formulation is made […]
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 […]
