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 […]
In Scotland, a hospital is helping to address medical waste by providing staff with biobased caps for the surgical theater. Made from cellulosic fiber, the Golden Jubilee University National Hospital in Clydebank, West Dunbartonshire, helped develop the caps with University of Strathclyde and Heriot-Watt University. According to the inventors, around 800,000 single-use caps are used […]
In Abu Dhabi, 100,000 natural latex balloons carrying about 100 million seeds were released on New Year’s Eve, with hopes the stunt would help local ecological restoration and greenery expansion. Each balloon carried about 1,000 seeds for native desert plants, including Ghaf and Samar. The release was part of Sheikh Zayed Festival’s sustainability efforts, according […]
In London, a sustainable sequins start-up has achieved the world’s first fully biodegradable sequins produced at scale. Founded by Claire Lichfield during the pandemic as part of R&D project Bodici, Sequinova aims to help the fashion industry replace sequins, a source of microplastic waste, with a sustainable alternative. Sequinova’s cellulose-based sequins decompose in freshwater within […]
In France, designers Vivien Roussel, Madalina Nicolae, and Marc Teyssier have created a video game controller made from SCOBY, also known as Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast. Dubbed BioHybrid, the controller is a proof of concept that envisions growing devices such as controllers, keyboards, and wearables, as opposed to assembling them. “By adopting biofabrication […]
