PLA’s Compostability Found Wanting
In New Zealand, researchers are challenging bioplastic producers’ claims of biodegradability.
Massey University’s Zero-Waste Academy and local government officials tested 47 products labeled as biodegradable...
Going Bananas for Biogas
In Australia, Growcom is looking to turn waste bananas into biogas via on-farm anaerobic digesters.
Growcom has validated its technology during projects with the Banana...
Biotech Routes to Fragrances Threaten Small Farmers
In Italy. The production of high-value flavor and fragrance ingredients via genetically modified yeast and bacteria is expected to increase, but agricultural experts say the...
Japanese Paper Company to Build Cellulose Nanofiber Plant Using Bamboo
In Japan, Chuetsu Pulp & Paper Co. is planning commercial production of cellulose nanofiber from bamboo at its Sendai, Stasuma-Sendai, Kagoshima Prefecture facility. The...
Adsorbent Holds Promise for Water Treatment
In South Korea, researchers have developed a renewable adsorbent that can selectively remove water-soluble organic contaminants in water.
The adsorbent is a fluorine-based nanoporous polymer...
Missouri Company Wants to Keep Your Coffee Warm with Biobased Thermal Technology
In Missouri, ThermAvant International is using an unspecified biobased material to help keep your coffee warm even in unforgiving climates.
The company’s Lexo mug, which...
Algae Facility Planned for Caribbean Island
In the Caribbean, Wageningen University & Research is building an algae pilot facility on the island of Bonaire.
The location features ideal production conditions, and...
Bali entrepreneur launches cassava-based bioplastic
In Bali, biology graduate student and surfer Kevin Kumala has launched Avani Eco, a manufacturer of bioplastics made from cassava starch, vegetable oils, and...
Honest Company in hot water again over baby powder recall
In Los Angeles, an all-natural consumer products company owned by movie star Jessica Alba is facing backlash after a voluntary recall of baby powder.
Honest...
New bioplastic increases PLA toughness, opens new applications
In the United Kingdom, Florean has developed a bioplastic that, when added to polylactic acid, reduces the bioplastic’s brittleness and increases its toughness by...