In France, Lallemand Bio-Ingredients has completed its acquisition of Solyve, a French enzyme producer known for its expertise in solid-state fermentation and strong position in food and beverages. Solyve, formerly known as Lyven S.A., was founded in 1989 and operates a modern production facility in Normandy. It specializes in high-performance enzymes used in winemaking, juice […]
In Belgium, The European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic) is calling on the European Union to transform its upcoming Bioeconomy Strategy into a comprehensive industrial strategy. Cefic argues that the bioeconomy holds untapped potential to boost Europe’s industrial competitiveness, enhance circularity, and secure access to sustainable resources. In a newly released position paper, Cefic outlines a […]
In Sweden, Absolut Vodka has inked a new partnership with start-up Blue Ocean Closures to increase the use of biodegradable materials in its packaging. According to Drinks Retailing, Absolut and Blue Ocean Closures have developed a cap out of 95% Forest Stewardship Council-certified fibers, with a thin top seal barrier made of plastic. The innovation […]
In the United Kingdom, acoustic panels made from hemp and mycelium were used in the ceiling of a dance music tent at the recent Glastonbury music festival. The panels were developed by British DJ Floating Points and Magical Mushroom Company. Hung from the domed ceiling of the “Sunflower Sound System,” the panels reduced echo, reverberation […]
In New York, beverage company Yerba Madre and design studio Basura have partnered to create shoes out of dirt, organic fibers, and acacia gum that disintegrate and spread flower seeds as the person wearing then walks. The designers readily admit the clog-like Dirt Shoe will only last a few minutes, so you probably shouldn’t throw […]
In Germany, researchers at Hof University of Applied Sciences are working with the RuhBio research project to create biobased nonwoven materials for noise protection in rail transport. “Up to now, soundproofing components in rail transport have mostly been made of conventional foams or polyester fleeces. While functionally proven, these materials are neither biobased nor biodegradable,” […]
In Amsterdam, renewable polymer producer Avantium has secured a €10-million financing to address its short-term liquidity needs. The transaction includes access to the second tranche of €4 million under the €9.9-million subordinated loan from the Province of Groningen, as well as a €6-million drawdown from the €20.1 million increase of the senior debt financing facilities […]
In Finland, a documentary film detailing the process of making the Korvaa concept shoe out of mycelium, bacterial nanocellulose, and biodegradable plastics, will be shown at a major – but undisclosed – film festival later this year. Dubbed Planet of the Microbes, the film was shot by Finland-based Photino Science Communications. The shoe itself – […]
In China and Australia, researchers have developed a new bioplastic that could make buildings more reflective, reducing the indoor temperature without consuming any energy. The material is the commonly used bioplastic polylactic acid, but produced using a low-temperature separation technique that renders the material very reflective. According to IFLScience, when used as a film, the […]
In Belgium, designer Björn Van Egroo has conceptualized a biodegradable alternative for packaging Nintendo’s latest Switch system. The design was created from a 3D rendering and did not include any input or invitation from the Kyoto video game and console maker. Despite this, Yanko Design called it game-changing. “You don’t need to mold plastic blister […]
