In the United Kingdom, researchers at the University of Cambridge have demonstrated that 3-D printed artificial coral made of biopolymers, hydrogels, and cellulose nanomaterials are capable of being colonized by algae. The symbiotic relationship between algae and coral is key for replacing dwindling coral reefs, which provide a habitat for about a quarter of all […]
In New York, preppy fashion brand Ralph Lauren is investing in Natural Fiber Welding, a Peoria-Illinois-based startup developing a process to upcycle waste natural fibers into higher-performing materials. Founded in 2015, Natural Fiber Welding uses “precise manipulation of molecular bonding” to upgrade the performance of waste cotton and recycled fibers. Founder and CEO Luke Haverhals, […]
In Texas, researchers at Texas A&M University have created a stronger carbon-fiber composite by incorporating recycled wood waste. The newly discovered material overcomes a persistent challenge with such composites and be a gamechanger for creating stronger, lighter materials, researchers say. Polymers reinforced by carbon fibers are strong but also lightweight, and for that reason can […]
In New York, mushroom packaging firm Ecovative Design is seeing increased demand from beauty brands seeking to reduce their plastics use amid consumer environmental concerns. “Mushrooms are nature’s recycling system,” Gavin McIntyre, co-founder of Ecovative Design, tells Vogue. “They’re decomposers. Mycelium grows really quickly and for the industrial process, [we’re able to grow it] in […]
In India, a Hyderabad radio station is promoting its Ramky Big Green Ganesha initiative aimed at promoting the use of Ganesh idols made of natural materials and seeds at the upcoming Vinayaka Chaturthi festival. Launched by BIG FM in 2008, the program is distributing clay Ganesh idols packed in biodegradable coconut pit. Each will contain […]
In California, Lygos (Berkeley, California) has validated a fermentation-based production process for cannabinoids. Using technology gained from Lygos’s January acquisition of Librede, the company was able to produce both cannabinoid compounds not easily produced via traditional agriculture and common cannabinoids, such as CBD. Lygos says it will now focus on scaling the process to commercial […]
In Brazil, Platts reports the national oil and biofuels agency ANP has temporarily cut the biodiesel blending mandate to 10% for September and October due to concerns about sufficient supplies in light of increased diesel demand. Biodiesel producers slowed down production in March and April in response to falling diesel demand in the face of […]
In Taiwan, the Taipei Times reports the Environmental Protection Agency is exploring the development of four new MSW-fueled power plants to divert 230,000 metric tons from incinerators, extending the life of the incinerators while producing enough power for 11,000 homes. One such plant is already operating in Taichung while similar facilities are planned for Taipei, […]
In the UK, Platts launched the first-to-market Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) price assessment in Europe to bring additional transparency as the industry embraces energy transition. The new daily S&P Global Platts Sustainable Aviation Fuel cost-based price assessment will be published from August 17, 2020, and reflects the cost of SAF produced from used cooking oil […]
In India, the Business Standard newspaper reports the government has set its ethanol blending target for the season starting October 1 at 3.62 billion liters. Individual targets for mills as well as requiring a minimum production capacity utilization of 85% are part of the government’s drive to ensure as much ethanol is produced and blended […]
