In Indonesia, a team of researchers from Semarang State University have developed a bioplastic made of chitosan sourced from milkfish scales and moringa leaf starch. Dubbed ChitoGreen, the bioplastic is transparent with a yellow tinge, completely biodegradable, and sourced from fishery waste. It exhibits antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The team hopes […]
In Belgium, biobased surfactants producer AmphiStar was awarded €2.5 million (US$1.15 million) in funding from SPRIND, Germany’s Federal Agency for Disruptive Innovation. The funds are reward for AmphiStar advancing to Stage 3 of SPRING’s Circular Biomanufacturing challenge. AmphiStar’s biosurfactant platform combines synthetic biology and microbial fermentation to create high-performance ingredients from upcycled biobased waste and […]
In France, tire major Michelin has brought its biobased 5-hydroxymethylfurfural demonstration plant online at Péage-de-Roussillon. Dubbed Cerisea, the €60 million (US$69.1 million) plant has the capacity to produce 3,000 metric tons of 5-HMF annually using process technology developed with IFP Énergies nouvelles. The project is led by Michelin Engineered Polymers with the support of Technip […]
In the United Kingdom, biomaterials startup PACT has raised £16 million (US$21.0 million) to scale its leather alternative made from collagen. Dubbed Oval, PACT’s cosmetics-grade collagen has a significantly lower environmental footprint than both animal and synthetic leathers and requires far less water. The Series A funding round was led by Forbion and HV Capital. […]
In Israel, Technion’s Material Topology Research Lab, in collaboration with the Tree Lab at the Weizmann Institute of Science, have created 3D-printed soil blocks that can be used to help young trees survive climate change. Dubbed TreeSoil, the blocks create microclimates that support early growth of trees. A large-scale 3D printer creates blocks of interlocking […]
In Pennsylvania, sustainable yoga products maker JadeYoga has introduced a new yoga mat using only natural rubber and repurposed mushroom material. Dubbed Jade Mushroom Mat™, each mat contains zero synthetic materials and is manufactured with 100% renewable energy. From a performance perspective, the mat is also softer, lighter, and more comfortable than traditional natural rubber […]
In South Korea, green tea and agricultural cooperative Sumang has announced plans to expand its R&D efforts on functional biomaterials sourced from Jeju, a volcanic island off the coast of South Korea. Sumang will also actively pursue joint R&D projects with various organizations to discover and commercialize new, competitive biobased materials. Sumang added that as […]
In Switzerland, the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa) has created a computer mouse that works like any other, expect it is 100% compostable. The mouse’s printed circuit board is made from a wood substrate developed by the EU research project HyPELignum, while the casing is made out of biodegradable plastic and […]
In Belgium, alternative protein company Paleo has announced a “strategic refocusing” of its operations to concentrate on its core research and development. The company, which uses precision fermentation to produce animal-free heme proteins for plant-based meat and fish alternatives, will significantly reduce its Belgium-based staff located at the R&D Center in Leuven. The company flagged […]
In Indonesia, global cosmetics firm COSMAX has partnered with the Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology to develop new functional materials incorporating biotechnology. The two plan to expand biobased cosmetics research and manufacturing by establishing a joint research and development system for the consolidation of basic science and commercialization technologies. The collaboration will combine […]
