In Rome, a consortium of researchers is evaluating ways to convert waste from the olive oil industry, such as stones, skins, and leaves, into value-added products. Dubbed OLinWASTE, the team will evaluate the suitability of oil mill waste as feedstock for bioplastics, biofertilizers, biopesticides and bioenergy. The project has received just under €4 million in […]
In Italy, designer Andrea Shin Ling has created an exhibit for the Venice Architecture Biennale 2025 that features “a living building” that absorbs carbon dioxide. Dubbed Picoplanktonics, the exhibit is comprised of 3D-printed biostructures with embedded cyanobacteria. The exhibit is meant to encourage a reexamination of what materials and design can do in an “era […]
In Australia, a company with a not-very-creative name is looking at a creative solution to the single-use plastics problem: instead of recycling or composting forks and spoons from your backyard barbecues, why not eat them instead? 2050 Edible Cutlery, of Perth, is manufacturing forks, spoons, and knives from rice flour curds, soy protein, and tapioca […]
In Italy, students with the Materials Design for Transition group within the design department of Politecnico di Milano has created a number of biobased innovations that “[foster] cultural shifts around materiality.” The materials were submitted as part of a design competition cosponsored by design publication dezeen. Examples of entrants include Giacomo Frova and Taila Sacco, […]
In India, the Karnataka Milk Federation is planning to replace petroleum-based plastic packaging with a plastic made from cornstarch and sugarcane. The new sachets biodegrade in just 90 days, lowering KMF’s costs under India’s extended producer laws. The switch comes shortly after Bangalore Milk Union Limited, a KMF subsidiary, had a successful trial run in […]
In Finland, green chemistry firm Brightplus has raised €2 million to accelerate the development and industrial scaling of its recyclable, biobased textile coatings. The funding round was led by impact investor Collateral Good, with co-lead investment from Nordic Butterfly Ventures. Additional investors include E.A.T. Holdings, FF-Future, Nordic Option, and FutureLab-X. Brightplus’ BrightBio® technology transforms industrial […]
In the United Kingdom, Fishway and Multus Biotechnology have partnered to bring cultivated fish to market faster. The pact will leverage Fishway’s expertise in fish cell line development with Multus’ AI-driven technique for optimizing growth media. A key goal is bringing down the cost of the finished product. “Between Fishway’s expertise in fish cell lines […]
In Milan, tire manufacturer Pirelli has launched the first standard production tire for the global market made with over 70% biobased and recycled materials, including Forest Stewardship Council™ -certified natural rubber. This certification attests to the responsible management of the natural rubber supply chain, from plantation to factory. Developed in a specific version for JLR, […]
In Boston, Massachusetts Institute of Technology students Biru Cao and Qiqing Wang have developed an AI-drive desktop 3D printer that converts household food waste into functional objects. Dubbed FOODres.AI, the system marries several technologies, including object recognition, material processing, and additive manufacturing. The instrument processes kitchen scraps into a bioplastic that is then extruded into […]
In Paris, Dutch haute couture designer Iris van Herpen have unveiled two bridal looks during Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2025 that were made using protein fibers produced by Japanese biotech firm Spiber. “This partnership represents a powerful dialogue between science and art—two pioneering voices united by a shared aspiration to redefine the future […]
