Taiwanese startup develops sugar-based straws
In Taiwan, a startup has developed a straw alternative based on sugarcane waste. 100% Plants, founded by Huang Chien-chung, uses simple chemical methods to turn...
Bioplastics need a level playing field
In Europe, Hasso von Pogrell, managing director of trade group European Bioplastics, is calling for measures to level the playing field for bioplastics.
Specifically, he...
Study: Biorefineries won’t drive up wood costs
In Sweden, a report from researchers at International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, Luleå University of Technology (LTU), and RISE Research Institutes says growth...
UK researchers turn lignin into bioplastic
In the United Kingdom, researchers at the University of Warwick have created a bioplastic by genetically modifying a lignin-eating bacteria.
“I have been working on...
Deinove skincare ingredient wins Most Innovative Technology Award
In France, biotechnology cluster IAR has named Deinove’s PHYT-N-RESIST Phytoene ingredient for skin care its Most Innovative Technology for 2018.
Phytoene is a colorless carotenoid...
Promiscuous enzyme could be lignin-busting breakthrough
In the United Kingdom, researchers at the University of Portsmouth have developed a new, “promiscuous” enzyme that can convert plant waste into fuel, nylon,...
Greenpeace: Bioplastics not the answer to ocean waste problem
In the Netherlands, Greenpeace is concerned that bioplastics will contribute to the problem of marine waste and insists that the only solution is to...
Europe’s “Project Effective” seeks to decouple nylon from oil
In Europe, a consortium is looking to increase the availability and use of recyclable biobased nylon.
Dubbed Project Effective, members include nylon fiber maker Aquafil...
Avantium set to open pilot biorefinery
In the Netherlands, Avantium is on track to open a pilot biorefinery at Delfzijl in August. The pilot plant will convert plant-based feedstocks into...
PHA plant starts up in Italy, targets microbeads
In Italy, Bio-On has started up its first polyhydroxyalkanoate bioplastics plant for markets such as cosmetics microbeads. The €20 million investment—which includes associated research...