In New York, sustainability-focused designer Stella McCartney used faux feathers made from plant-based materials in fashions exhibited at the recent Paris Fashion Week. Produced by United Kingdom’s Fevvers, the material mimic the “fluffy look and billowing movement” of natural feathers—without the need to harm birds. “I’ve been having the conversation about not killing cows and […]
In Germany, Artificial Nature S.L. has scaled up production of its biobased and biodegradable copolyester PLH to 300 metric tons per year. The milestone was achieved in collaboration with an unnamed industrial partner at Germany’s Leverkusen Chempark. Dubbed Dan*na, PLH boasts roughly a quarter of the CO2 emissions of its petroleum-based counterparts. It is made […]
In California, biotech companies Michroma and CJ CheilJedang have partnered to advance commercial manufacturing of Michroma’s biotech-based colorants. The collaboration will harness CJCJ’s manufacturing capabilities in key global locations, including Indonesia, China, Malaysia, the United States, Brazil, and South Korea. By utilizing CJCJ’s geographically diverse operations, Michroma will ensure a steady, scalable, and reliable supply […]
In Indiana, BioBond Adhesives has launched BioMelt™, a new biobased adhesive for artificial fingernails. Unlike traditional nail glues that rely on synthetic and often harsh chemicals, BioBond is formulated with a proprietary blend of plant-derived materials, offering a high-performance, non-toxic, and biodegradable alternative. The new adhesive is also designed for easy application and removal, minimizing […]
In Germany, specialty chemical producer Evonik and biotech-based silk protein pioneer AMSilk have commissioned a manufacturing line at Evonik’s Slovakian site. Producing several tons of silk protein monthly, the facility enables consistent monthly output of material that meets industrial quality standards for spinning-grade biomaterials. The production line is the culmination of several years of collaboration […]
In Sweden, food tech firm Saveggy has introduced an edible, shelf-life-extending packaging for cucumbers. Made from rapeseed oil and gluten-free oat oil, the coating is being tested by Saveggy, Swdish grocer ICA, and vegetable grower Odlarna.se. The program includes roughly 250,000 cucumbers sold across 700 ICA stores. “This innovation makes it possible for us to […]
In Germany, Louis Dreyfus Company has completed the acquisition of BASF’s Food and Health Performance Ingredients Business, a deal that expands LDC’s portfolio in plant-based ingredients. Previously part of BASF’s Nutrition & Health division, the acquired business includes food performance ingredients, such as whipping agents, emulsifiers and fat powders, and health ingredients, such as plant […]
In the United Kingdom, designer Saskia Boersma, the Surface Matter collective, and the material studio Plasticiet have transformed £2.5 million (US$3.5 million) worth of withdrawn British banknotes into furniture. Dubbed Reconstructing Value, the material was made by combining shredded banknotes with a plasticizer. Physically, the benches maintain glimpses of “iconic hues and subtle security patterns of the original […]
In Milan, popular athleisure brand Under Armour has partnered with UNLESS, a company known for producing completely renewable garments, to market three completely plant-based sneakers. The launch marks the first time UNLESS footwear will be accessible through Under Armour. “In an industry where most footwear relies on plastics, petrochemicals, and synthetic dyes that linger in […]
In Finland, Solar Foods has filed a patent application for a mayonnaise formulation made using its Solein protein, which is produced by a microbe from just air and electricity. Traditionally, mayonnaise is produced through emulsification of oil. In traditional mayonnaise, this is done with the help of egg yolk, which acts as a natural emulsifier […]
