Japanese company investing $130 million to increase biopolymer production
In Japan, Kaneka has announced plans to triple production capacity for its biodegradable poly 3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate (PHBH) polymer. The company expects to spend about ¥15 billion...
Clariant launches biobased surfactants and PEGs
In Switzerland, chemical company Clariant has launched a range of 100% biobased surfactants and polyethylene glycols. Dubbed Vita, the ingredients were developed for formulators...
Nokian debuts concept tire using only natural rubber
In Finland, tire company Nokian has released a concept tire made with 93% sustainable materials. Dubbed Green Step, all the rubber used in the tire...
Oscar Mayer launches bologna-esque face mask
In Wisconsin, bologna baron Oscar Mayer has introduced a face mask meant to physically resemble the mortadella mainstay of middle school sandwiches, while moisturizing...
Peace, love, and biobased sandals: Brand launches styles for Deadheads
In California, novelty sandal brand Sanuk has introduced three new styles that incorporate biobased and recycled materials and target fans of the Grateful Dead....
Cracking idea: UK city trials biobased traffic pillars
In the UK, a local city council is installing traffic-control pillars made out of a plant-based biopolymer.
Commonly called bollards, such obstructions are meant to...
Delta to debut bamboo cutlery
In Atlanta, Delta has announced it will use bamboo and other biodegradable items for some single-use in-flight service items, such as cutlery. The new bamboo...
Algae-based ski maker looks to share its secretes
In California, WNDR Alpine Skis has agreed to share its technology for incorporating algae-based materials into its products to help lift the sustainability profile...
UPM biorefinery at Leuna, Germany delayed
In Finland, forest-based fuels and chemicals maker UPM said its planned biobased ethylene glycol and propylene glycol plant at Leuna, German will be delayed...
Focused fungi: Ecovative launches Forager subsidiary to serve fashion and automotive markets
In New York, mycelium materials company Ecovative has launched Forager, a division focused on designing, marketing, and manufacturing mycelium-based materials and foams for the...