In Atlanta, paper cups lined with polyhydroxyalkanoate biopolymer are available at Walmart for the first time. Manufactured by WinCup, Inc. and sold under the brand name phade®, the hot beverage cup is lined with PHA rather than a plastic film, allowing it to quickly break down in the environment. The plastic lining in traditional paper […]
In Switzerland, researchers at Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa) have created a biodegradable material from the mycelium of the split-gill mushroom. The living, plastic-like substance is flexible, tough, and edible, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics. The innovation lies in preserving the biological activity of the mushroom’s mycelium during processing. […]
In Germany, researchers at the University of Bayreuth’s Biomaterials research group have used the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology to create spiders that produce red fluorescent silk. Spider silk has long been of interest for numerous applications because it is extremely tear-resistant, elastic, lightweight, and biodegradable. In what may be the first work applying CRISPR-Cas9 to spiders, […]
In California, Transcarton has launched a Kickstarter campaign for BoilMate—the world’s first fire-safe, compostable paper bowl engineered for instant cooking. BoilMate combines FDA-approved corn fiber with a 304-grade stainless steel rack to create a single-sheet, glue-free container that withstands direct flame. Simply unfold the bowl, pour in water or broth, and place it over an […]
In Finland, Natural Indigo Finland and Tampere University of Applied Sciences (TAMK) have developed a water-based ink using biocolorant extracted from coffee waste supplied by Finnish coffee roastery and spice producer Meira Oy. The resulting ink has been used in flexographic printing on fiber-based packaging and offers a renewable, natural alternative to synthetic pigments traditionally […]
In Arizona, Cargill’s Bioindustrial unit has partnered with Arizona State University to develop advanced materials used in semiconductor technology. The research centers on Cargill Priamine dimer diamine, which is made from biobased ingredients. Originally developed for other applications, Priamine, dimer diamine has a very low dielectric constant, which could enhance the performance of semiconductor devices. […]
In Milan, design firm NOI Creative has created a Nordic-style table lamp from agricultural waste, including coffee grounds, rice husks and wheat brand. Dubbed Lanova Tera, the lamp “exemplifies the fusion of sustainability and minimalist design,” according to design publication Yanko Design. “By repurposing materials that would otherwise contribute to landfill waste, the lamp not […]
In Ireland, BiOrbic has signed a joint memorandum of understanding with the Dynamic Sustainability Lab housed at Syracuse University to develop joint approaches to leverage the artificial intelligence, machine learning and data to advance the bioeconomy. “This MOU formalizes and greatly expands our initial collaboration to leverage our shared dedication to advancing biobased markets in […]
In the Netherlands, Avantium has been awarded a €200,000 grant by the EU Horizon Europe program to participate in the CERISEA consortium for the large-scale production of the biobased chemical 5-hydroxymethylfurfural. The consortium, which consists of 12 European partners and is led by Michelin Engineered Polymers, aims to construct and operate an HMF flagship plant […]
In Italy, tire brand Pirelli has introduced a bicycle tire that includes over 50% recycled and biobased materials. The biobased content comes from natural rubber from Forest Stewardship Council certified sources. Dubbed Pirelli Cinturato Evo TLR, the tire is an update of the brand’s Cinturato Velo all-rounder road tire. The new SmartEvo AS compound reduces […]
