In the Netherlands, Studio Marco Vermeulen has completed Museum Vonk in Eindhoven using a collection of biobased and reclaimed materials to demonstrate the potential of more renewable and circular construction. Dedicated to Eindhoven’s history, the wedge-shaped museum features hempcrete facades made from hemp and lime, finished with pigmented lime plaster, alongside a structure built largely […]
In Japan, protein-based materials company Spiber is now offering its biomanufacturing platform, from gene sequence design to commercial fermenters of over 100 kL, as a contract service for strain development and fermentation manufacturing. Dubbed SPIBER BIOFOUNDRY, the service leverages capabilities Spiber built over nearly two decades to become the first company to produce a structural […]
In Clermont-Ferrand, France, Biotech Open Platform has opened a €20-million (US$22.4-million) facility designed to bridge the gap between laboratory breakthroughs and industrial-scale biotechnology production. Located within Michelin’s Innovation Park, the Sustainable Materials Center supports start-ups, industrial companies and R&D organizations as they develop, optimize, scale and validate fermentation-based processes under conditions representative of commercial production. […]
In France, biobased carboxylic acid producer Afyren has launched a fully biobased propionic acid for cosmetics applications. Just months after partnering with South Africa-based microbiome skincare company Esse Skincare, Afyren is supporting the launch of Esse Barrier Rescue, described as the world’s first skincare product formulated with natural propionic acid. The intensively nourishing moisturizer combines […]
In Italy, hosiery and women’s apparel brand Oroblù has launched a capsule collection of biobased tights made Fulgar’s Q-GEO polyamide and Renewable LYCRA EcoMade Fiber elastane from The LYCRA Company. The semi-opaque tights are designed for comfort and durability, with a reinforced sole suited to sneakers and booties. Q-GEO derives 50% of its content from […]
In Japan, cellular agriculture company IntegriCulture and Singapore-based alternative fat producer ImpacFat have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop and commercialize cosmetics made with cultivated fish fat. The partnership will combine ImpacFat’s cell-culture platform with IntegriCulture’s product development and cosmetics manufacturing expertise, according to Green Queen. The companies will initially target Japan and Singapore […]
In Australia, an exhibition at Melbourne’s National Gallery of Victoria is exploring how renewable materials such as fungi, algae and oyster shells can shape the future of design. Titled Plant Life: The Nature of Design, the exhibition features 60 works that use plant-based materials to reimagine everyday objects. “For most of human culture, up until […]
In the Netherlands, biobased chemicals producer Avantium has completed the spin-out of its Parana Technology business into Parana Materials B.V. The new, independent company is focused on the development and commercialization of plant-based, high-performance polyesters such as poly(isosorbide succinate), poly(isosorbide oxalate), poly(ethylene-co-isosorbide terephthalate) and poly(ethylene-co-isosorbide furanoate) (PEIF). The Parana Technology portfolio is distinct from Avantium’s furandicarboxylic […]
In France, fragrance giant Symrise has inaugurated a new production site for its natural fragrance ingredients brand Lautier 1795. Located in the Grasse region, the new site complements the company’s recent acquisition of premium natural scent ingredients producer Floral Concept. Modern technologies at the new facility support transformation, consistent quality and enhanced traceability. Close collaboration […]
In Germany, BASF, the world’s largest chemical maker, has confirmed exploratory talks to take over Evonik, a specialty chemicals giant with extensive activities in biobased products. “The course and outcome of these exploratory talks remain open at this stage,” BASF said in a press statement. BASF reported €59.66 billion (US$68.23 billion) in sales in 2025. […]
