In Vietnam, a European Union-funded project between Switzerland’s Helvetas Vietnam and AirX Carbon is working to convert waste husks from cocoa cultivation into bioplastic. Dubbed the “Bean to Bar” initiative, the project will run through 2026 and promote circular economy practices in Vietnam’s agri-food sector. The European Union is providing $2.16 million for the project, […]
In Colorado, biobased pigments startup Living Ink has closed a $3 million investment round. Living Ink converts biomass waste into renewable colorants. Its first product, Algae Black, is a drop-in alternative to petroleum-derived carbon black. Meliorate Partners, Evergreen Climate Innovations, Savia Ventures, Fashion for Good and Norfolk Green Ventures participated in the funding, which will […]
In the Netherlands, Dutch Queen consort Máxima visited two Uden worksites promoting biobased building materials made from Netherlands fiber crops. The March 26 visit included a housing development with energy-efficient roof panels, and a Barli housing factory where sustainable wooden homes are produced. “After a tour, there is a discussion with chain partners about the […]
In Denmark, ReefCircular, a company developing a shell-based bioconcrete to help restore marine habitats, has launched a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter. The company’s bioconcrete can be 3d-printed and cast into reefs, which are important marine life habitats but under accelerated decline due to human activity and climate change. “When creating the different reef products at […]
In Israel, cultivated meat producer Aleph Farms has raised $29 million to expand production at its Rehovot pilot plant and expand production into Europe and Asia. The fundraise comes as company cofounder and CEO Didier Toubia acknowledged a “correction” in the lab-grown meat market to AgFunderNews. “[L]ike our peers, Aleph Farms is naturally adjusting its […]
In France, polylactic acid producer TotalEnergies Corbion and plastics compound Benvic have partnered to expand the use of PLA in durable applications such as automotive, healthcare and medical, cosmetics packaging, appliances, and electric & electronics. By compounding TotalEnergies Corbion’s Luminy PLA with other biobased materials, the collaboration aims to enhance the functionality and performance of […]
In Washington, DC, the Biotechnology Innovation Organization, in partnership with consulting firm Kearney, has released a report assessing the significant economic impact of the US bioeconomy. The report, entitled “Projected Impact and Growth of a Fully Unleashed Bioeconomy: The Value of Food, Agriculture, and Manufacturing Biotechnology”, highlights how this rapidly expanding sector is driving continued […]
In Amsterdam, Built by Nature has launched its 2025 global prize for real-world applications of the Principles for Responsible Timber Construction in predominantly timber buildings. On April 7, the grant-funding network will open applications for completed and in-use projects, including new builds, renovations, and significant extensions. Winning buildings will be announced in October and showcased […]
In New Jersey, Karmuel Young has used Modern Meadow’s biomaterial in his Sustasia Fashion Prize submission. Specifically, Young used Modern Meadow’s INNOVERA, formerly known as BIO-VERA, in his four-in-one jumpsuit that can transition from a jumpsuit to a long coat, short jacket and pants. The renewable material is engineered to replicate the look and feel […]
In New York, specialty chemical companies IFF and Kemira have formed a joint venture to produce biobased materials at commercial scale production. Dubbed Alpha Bio, the €130 million (US$140 million) will begin converting up to 44,000 MT of plant sugars to bioproducts in late 2027. Targeted products include high-performance biopolymers for use in various applications, […]
