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...
Borregaard opens Florida lignin plant
In Florida, Ligno Tech Florida has started up a 100,000 metric tons per year lignin production plant at Fernandina Beach. The €95 million ($110...
Amyris closes $36-million loan
In California, Amyris has closed on a $36 million term loan with Great American Capital Partners, LLC
Cash from the term loan will be used...
Bacteria is the next trend in home décor and sustainable living
In New York, presenters at the 2018 Biodesign Challenge Summit showcased a number of bacteria-based technologies that enhance design and functionality of home décor.
Students...
Vegan leather startup gets nod from WEF
In New Jersey, vegan leather maker Modern Meadow has been included in The World Economic Forum’s Technology Pioneers for 2018 list.
The WEF’s list recognizes...
Chinese scientists produce moisture-resistant cellulose nanopaper
In China, researchers at Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology have converted tobacco stalks into cellulose nanopaper with improved tensile strength and water...
Biobased surfactants help green enhanced oil recovery
In London, the Nanotera Group has launched plant-based surfactants for enhanced oil recovery. The cleaning agents reduce processing time by performing quickly, Nanotera says.
"The oil...
New, cheaper route to P3HB identified
In Colorado, chemists at Colorado State University have chemically synthesized bacterial poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) from biobased succinate—a route that could be cheaper than fermentation-based synthesis of...
That’s the pits: Mexican company makes straws from avocado seeds
In Mexico, Biofase is making straws out of avocado pits—a concept poised to gain ground as plastic straw bans proliferate globally.
Based in Michoacán, Biofase...