PETA seeks to redefine leather—literally
In California, PETA has petitioned dictionary.com to change the definition of leather to include both plant-based and synthetic materials given the rise of “vegan...
Brazil’s Beraca to launch silicone alternative made from tucumã fruit
In Amsterdam, Beraca will launch Tucumã Butter, a 100% natural alternative to silicones in skin care products, at the upcoming in-cosmetics Global.
Brazil-based Beraca says...
Biopolymer company raises $3.6 million from 76 investors
In North Carolina, biopolymer startup Tethis IP Holding Co. has raised $3.6 million in funding.
Tethis was spun out of North Carolina State University in...
Finnish scientists coax higher pigment yields from birch
In Finland, the VTT Technical Research Centre has successfully produced useful compounds from birch leaves and seeds, including anthocyanin pigments that inhibit the growth...
Covestro to launch 50% renewable film formers
In Germany, Covestro says it plans to launch a line of polyurethane film formers based on renewable feedstocks at the upcoming in-cosmetics Global conference...
Ecovia raises $1 million, inks partnership with Seppic
In Michigan, Ecovia Renewables has raised $1 million in seed financing and signed an agreement with Seppic to jointly develop and market biobased polymers...
Used chewing gum finds new life in the UK
In the United Kingdom, design student-turned-entrepreneur Anna Bullus has founded Gumdrop, a company that turns used chewing gum into useful products.
The Bullus-based company manufacturers...
Birkenstock boosts biobased content
In Germany, Birkenstock, a shoe brand known for its popularity with nature lovers, is expanding its vegan line of sandals to over 60 styles...
Mushroom-based clothing company wins prestigious innovation award
In the Netherlands, mushroom-based clothing maker MycoTEX was named one of five winners of the 2018 Global Change Award. The award includes an undisclosed...
Lignin-based filament wins Canadian innovation grant
In British Columbia, BC Innovation Council has awarded $300,000 to Darrel Fry of Advanced BioCarbon 3D and Jason Taylor of Selkirk College to develop...