In Denmark, toy block maker Lego has introduced a new futuristic design set that includes biobased plastics. Dubbed Lego Icons of Play, the 48,000-piece set “merges traditional crafting with cutting-edge technology,” according to Yanoticias. The set includes futuristic vehicles, architectural “marvels, and sci-fi inspired figures.” The Icons of Play set also includes blocks made from […]
In Denmark, design studio Mickus Projects has created a 3D-printed honeycomb-shaped bioplastic chandelier. Known as the Hedron Pendant, the chandelier “features a bulbous but subtly striated lampshade finished in an intricate hexagonal pattern, which wraps a stem with a delicate but illuminating LED light source,” according to design publication dezeen. Hedron Pendant is 3D printed […]
In Las Vegas, multinational electronics maker Acer has unveiled the world’s first laptop made from oyster shells. Dubbed Aspire Vero 16, the carbon-neutral design was unveiled at the recent Consumer Electronics Show and was named a CES Innovation Award 2025 nominee. Specifically, the laptop has a chassis made from 70% post-consumer recycled plastic and biobased […]
In Kenya, an invasive plant crowding out native life in lakes is being converted by by HyaPak Ecotech Limited into packaging that biodegrades over the course of a few months. Hyapak was founded by Joseph Nguthiru in his last year as a civil and environmental engineering student at Egerton University. The idea came to him […]
In California, Corn Next, a company developing biobased materials based on corn starch, has launched a plastics alternative that fully biodegrades in 30 days. Dubbed CornNext-18, the material’s mechanical properties make it suitable for several applications, including consumer goods, packaging, agriculture, medical supplies, automotive, and electronics. “CornNext-17 represents a significant leap forward in sustainable materials,” […]
In Colorado, biobased adhesives firm Silvis Materials has announced a partnership with Oak Ridge National Laboratory to develop formaldehyde-free adhesives for the building materials industry. The collaboration, which is supported by a Department of Energy research agreement, aims to create healthier, more sustainable building solutions and reduce the carbon footprint of the adhesives market. According […]
In France, biobased organic acids firm AFYREN has announced a €10 million (US$10.2 million) sustainability-linked loan for its subsidiary, AFYREN NEOXY. The company also said it aims to initiate continuous production at its AFYREN NEOXY plant in 2025, a shift from its previous target of 2024. “With our production launch and first sales in 2024, […]
In France, precision fermentation-based dairy proteins firm Standing Ovation has entered into a long-term partnership with Ajinomoto Foods Europe to produce animal-free proteins at AFE’s Nesle manufacturing site. The deal also provides Standing Ovation with access to AFE’s 50 years of experience in industrial fermentation. Standing Ovation’s animal-free casein powder, Advanced Casein®, can be used […]
In Poland, multinational oil and gas company Orlen has vowed that 10% of all its petrochemical sales will come from renewable or circular raw materials by 2035. The target is part of Orlen’s “The Energy of Tomorrow Starts Today,” program, the most “ambitious and comprehensive” in the company’s history. Key objectives also include expanding natural […]
In Europe, chemicals distribution giant Brenntag has agreed to distribute Cambrium’s vegan collagen NovaColl to the beauty and personal care markets in the United Kingdom, Iberia, France, and Italy. NovaColl is a micro-molecular and 100% skin-identical vegan collagen. The ingredient is produced through precision fermentation and offers brands a “scientifically advanced solution that supports the […]
