Archive for 2020

Evonik, Avril, POET Collaborations: The Digest’s 2020 Multi-Slide Guide to DSM’s Evolution

Evonik, Avril, POET Collaborations: The Digest’s 2020 Multi-Slide Guide to DSM’s Evolution

September 15, 2020 |

From the early days of coal mining in 1902 to today’s nutrition, health and sustainable living segments, DSM has certainly evolved with the times. Atul Thakrar, President of its Bio-based Products & Services, shared this illuminating presentation at ABLC Digital on their recent collaborations with companies like Evonik on sustainable salmon farming with a new algal […]

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Faux pas-free foie gras firm nabs government grant

Faux pas-free foie gras firm nabs government grant

September 14, 2020 |

In Japan, cell culture products company IntegriCulture has been awarded a ¥240 million ($2.2 million) government grant to build a commercial bioreactor facility. Founded by Yuki Hanyu in 2015, IntegriCulture’s first product was a cell-culture foie gras. The company says its next product will be a cultured serum for cosmetics—set to launch in spring—followed by […]

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3D-printed steak startup invests in lab-grown fat

3D-printed steak startup invests in lab-grown fat

September 14, 2020 |

In Israel, 3-D printed steak startup Meat-Tech 3D Ltd. is planning to buy an unnamed cultured fat company for $17.5 million and plans to list soon on the Nasdaq. Meat-Tech 3D Ltd. uses in-vitro cells to produce cultured meat using 3D printing. The acquisition will help the company “[print] the complete steak in the laboratory […]

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Study finds Gen-Z not on board with cultured meat

Study finds Gen-Z not on board with cultured meat

September 14, 2020 |

In Australia, researchers have found that Gen-Z is wary of lab-grown meat despite reporting concerns for personal health, the environment, and animal welfare. Usually defined as those born between 1995 and 2012, researchers at University of Sydney and Curtin University found that almost three-quarters of Gen-Z report not being “ready” for meat grown in the […]

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Brooklyn brand gets into biobased shoe game

Brooklyn brand gets into biobased shoe game

September 14, 2020 |

In Brooklyn, New York, an up-and-coming sneaker brand is beta-testing sneakers made almost entirely from plants. Designed by Dave Costello and Micah Heftman, the Kengos Lace-up boasts 98% plant-based content thanks to an upper made from corn-based, breathable fabric Amaize; an upper body made from eucalyptus fabric that temperature regulates and absorbs sweat; a midsole […]

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Sweet solution: Honey-coated masks eyed as COVID-prevention alternative

Sweet solution: Honey-coated masks eyed as COVID-prevention alternative

September 14, 2020 |

In Sri Lanka, two entrepreneurs are working to launch a biodegradable, antimicrobial alternative to the N95 mask widely used to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Dubbed Mel-Cotta, the masks are made from banana stalk fibers and coated with honey and propolis, a resin made by bees to seal hives. They were developed by David Churches […]

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Cali company launches single-use hemp utensils

Cali company launches single-use hemp utensils

September 14, 2020 |

In California, GreenTek Packaging has launched what it says is the first-ever disposable cutlery made from hemp. The Hemptensils line of forks, spoons, and knives are 100% plant-based and compostable but have a shelf life of more than four years. They are currently available on GreenTek’s site as well as Amazon. The hemp is currently […]

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Polish designer debuts tableware from sugar beet waste

Polish designer debuts tableware from sugar beet waste

September 14, 2020 |

In Poland, designer Sofia Jaśkiewicz has created a line of tableware and packaging made from sugar beet waste. The items are made by adding other natural materials to sugar beet pulp and leaves, accompanied with binding and pressing steps to form papers, chipboards and composites. “I’m interested in the exploration of new uses for unusual […]

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Singapore researchers convert pineapple waste into aerogels

Singapore researchers convert pineapple waste into aerogels

September 14, 2020 |

In Singapore, researchers have developed a method to convert pineapple leaf fibers into aerogels with applications in food preservation and wastewater treatment.  National University of Singapore Associate Professor Duong Hai-Minh says the aerogels are very versatile. “They are effective as oil absorbents and for heat and sound insulation,” he says. “We have also demonstrated their […]

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Biogenic CO2 Coalition files petition with EPA to recognize zero emissions from crops as feedstock

Biogenic CO2 Coalition files petition with EPA to recognize zero emissions from crops as feedstock

September 14, 2020 |

In Washington, the Biogenic CO2 Coalition filed a Petition for Rulemaking with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) last week, providing a detailed explanation of the scientific and legal basis for the agency to propose a rule to recognize that biogenic carbon emissions from agricultural crops do not contribute to elevated greenhouse gas levels in the […]

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