In Finland, a team of researchers from University of Turku, Aalto University and Wageningen University has demonstrated red onion skins can extend the lifespan of solar panels. Biodegradable films made from a mixture of nanocellulose and red onion skin extract protected solar panels from damaging ultraviolet light. The new film outperformed traditional polyethylene terephthalate films […]
In Australia, sleepwear brand Papinelle is using seaweed-based bioplastic buttons from Uluu. Based in Perth, Uluu is a biotech company that ferments seaweed to create polyhydroxyalkanoates, a well-known bioplastic. The deal marks the first time Uluu’s material has been used in fashion. “These buttons may be small, but they represent a major leap in how […]
In New York, Better & Better, a natural brand known for its vitamin-infused toothpastes, has introduced the world’s first biodegradable Bamboo Sonic Flosser. Delivering up to 14,000 vibrations per minute, the flosser is “thoughtfully designed” with biodegradable bamboo heads and castor bean oil floss. It is waterproof, powered by a long-lasting battery that holds up […]
In the United Kingdom, artificial intelligence-based enzyme developer Scindo has raised £4 million (US$5.4 million) to expand its discovery engine, scale its wet-lab abilities, and add staff. Founded in 2020, the company’s platform uses AI and proprietary data to engineer enzymes that convert renewable materials into high-value, biobased ingredients and enable efficient, sustainable production of […]
In Perth, Integrity BioChem has partnered with ICD BioChem, a newly formed company in the ICD Group of companies, that will bring Integrity BioChem’s biobased mining technology platform to the rapidly growing Australian mining market. ICD BioChem, with operational and technical support from Integrity BioChem, is building a biobased chemical manufacturing facility in Perth that […]
In South Africa, Prince William rocked biobased sneakers at the annual award ceremony for his Earthshot Prize competition. Several well-known brands, including Allbirds and Cariuma, tout the renewable content of their sneakers, although the Manila Times report did not provide more details on the Prince’s footwear. The Prince of Wales launched the Earthshot Prize in […]
In Japan, AirKamuy Inc. has unveiled a biodegradable, cardboard-based drone at the DSEI 2025 trade show. The AirKamuy 150 is a fixed-wing drone constructed from cardboard and biobased adhesives. Costing under $3,000 each, and with a flight time of 1-2.5 hours, potential applications include reconnaissance, logistics, training, and threat simulation. It can also be assembled […]
In Azerbaijan, Mercedes has debuted the first biobased carbon fiber composite on a W16 racing car, which came in second. Applying the 30% biobased materials to the rear brake duct wheel shields, with their intricate aerodynamic surfaces, demonstrates the technology can withstand the extreme conditions of Formula One racing. “We are proud to be powering […]
In the UK, a new report has determined that the National Health Service could drive £30-120 million (US$40-$163 million) in sales for the bioeconomy if it switched single-use plastic products such as syringes and gloves to biobased alternatives. The report, “Buying into Biomanufacturing: Harnessing Public Procurement for the UK Bioeconomy,” was authored by Jonathan Hobson […]
In Bengaluru, India, BacAlt Biosciences has raised INR 18 crore (US$2.0 million) to fund R&D, add staff, and advance to pilot-scale production. Founded in 2023 by Pranav Nair and Shruti Kutmutia, BacAlt Biosciences converts crop residues into bacterial cellulose and poly gamma glutamic acid. Derivatives of these products have applications in cosmetics, textiles, and agriculture. […]
