High hopes for hemp in Australia
In Australia, expanding government acceptance and Chinese demand is giving hemp growers a boost, but infrastructure and new seed varieties are still required before...
Bee venom the bee’s knees for anti-aging products
In South Korea, Beesen Bio has signed a contract to supply anti-aging face masks based on bee venom. The two-year deal calls for 400,000...
Japan’s eco-conscious consumers drive bioplastics adoption
In Japan, increasing consumer concern for the environment is driving demand for bioplastic bags and containers. Oriental Land Co., which operates Tokyo Disney Resort,...
Bacteria-powered flaps could make your next jog less sweaty
In Boston, MIT researchers have developed active wear that automatically opens flaps in the fabric when heat and sweat are present.
The breakthrough comes from...
Hexion invests in biobased resins lab
In Canada, Hexion has announced plans to expand its forest products technology center at Edmonton, Alberta.
Research at the facility will focus on phenolic resin...
Amyris exceeds debt-reduction goals
In California, Amyris has retired $86 million in debt—exceeding its previous goal of $75 million.
The original debt-reduction goal was announced on May 8, 2017...
South Korean consumers push for natural products amid toxic scandal
In South Korea, demand for eco-friendly and biobased products is growing after a lung disease outbreak linked to chemical polyhexamethylene guanidine (PHMG) killed hundreds.
Reckitt...
Ants away! California researchers develop seaweed-based ant bait
In California, scientists at the University of California at Riverside have developed an ant bait made out of seaweed.
The hydrogel baits reduced populations of...
Japan leading commercial applications of cellulose nanofibers
In Japan, cellulose nanofiber is increasingly being used in consumer goods, including disposable diapers, pens, speakers and toilet cleaners.
Paper manufacturing firm Daio Paper Corp.,...
Yeast maker expands in Singapore
In Singapore, French yeast producer Lesaffre has opened its new SGD4-million ($2.9-million) technology center.
The site consolidates Lesaffre’s Asia Pacific operations in baking, food taste,...