In Wisconsin, Sativa Building Systems has been awarded a $1.9 million contract by the U.S. Army to develop biobased insulation. The two-year Phase II Small Business Innovation Research project builds on SBS’ previous successes with hemp-based solutions that align with the Department of Defense’s sustainability objectives. “Our Z Panel hempcrete block panel was a major […]
In the United Arab Emirates, Sulzer has licensed its biobased polylactic acid technology to Emirates Biotech, which plans to break ground on a production plant in 2025. The facility will be developed in two phases, each with a capacity of 80,000 metric tons of PLA per year. The first phase is anticipated to be operational […]
In Germany, engineering materials firm Envalior and Union Binding Company have partnered to introduce redesigned Travis Rice Falcor Signature Snowboard Bindings featuring Envalior’s Durethan Blue, an eco-friendly nylon made from 90% biobased and recyclable raw materials. Durethan Blue is crafted using a mass balance approach, ensuring that materials are sustainably sourced and traceable throughout the […]
In Tokyo, an exhibit at the 21_21 Design Sight gallery wants to flush away preconceived notions and illustrate how humanity can create materials from excrement. Made by artist Koro Ihara, Pooploop consists of animal poop sculptures coated with urishi lacquer, including a recreation of the ubiquitous poop emoji. The exhibit also includes nearly 200 types […]
In Miami, luxury carmaker Lexus and design studio Crafting Plastics have created a 3D printed, bioplastic car sculpture that changes color in response to changes in the environment, such as UV radiation and viewer proximity. Dubbed Liminal Cycles, the sculpture also expands and contracts “as if it were breathing, visualizing the relationship between technology and […]
In Israel, Aleph Farms has submitted its first regulatory application for cultivated meat in Thailand. This application, filed in collaboration with Thai Union, aims to introduce Aleph’s Aleph Cuts cultivated beef steaks into the Thai market. “Thailand is positioning itself as a leader in novel foods, fostering a transition toward sustainable food systems,” Didier Toubia, […]
In California, Acies Bio and LG Chem have partnered to develop biobased chemicals by leveraging LG Chem’s large-scale manufacturing expertise and market access with Acies Bio’s microbial strain engineering and synthetic biology know-how. Specifically, the collaboration will utilize Acies Bio’s innovative OneCarbonBio™ microbial platform, which focuses on transforming renewable and recycled one-carbon feedstocks—such as captured […]
In Japan, a biobased engineering plastic produced by Mitsubishi Chemical Group is being used in the front grill of Fronx, a new compact SUV from Suzuki Motor Corporation. The bioplastic, trade named Durabio, is made from plant-based isosorbide. Offering “excellent impact resistance, scratch resistance, and colorability, this material is being developed for use across a […]
In Japan, Starbucks has introduced new plant-based, biodegradable straws as the coffee chain works to cut waste in half by 2030. The new straw is made from Green Planet, which uses plant oils instead of petroleum feedstocks. The material degrades into CO2 and water by microorganisms living in sea water and soil, mitigating issues of […]
In Michigan, a team of researchers has determined that burned rice hulls could help batteries store more charge and help create a domestic source of material to replace graphite in lithium-ion or sodium-ion battery anodes. The team at University of Michigan, with funding from National Science Foundation and the Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America, […]
