In Israel, cultivated meat cells from Aleph Farms have been taken to the International Space Station, courtesy of Elon Musk’s SpaceX aerospace firm. The goal is to evaluate the effects of low gravity on growing such cells. Favorable results would be good news for an eventual Mars mission, which has to address the problem of […]
In New Jersey, a small-town deli with an inexplicable market cap of $100 million—and viral fame as an example of stock market excess and insufficient regulatory oversight—has filed with the SEC to merge with hemp-based plastic company Makamer. The deli’s owner, Hometown International, first came to public attention in April 2021 when hedgie David Einhorn […]
In California, toymaker Mattel has introduced carbon neutral toys, including two playsets with 56% plant-based content, as it works toward its goal of achieving 100% recycled, recyclable, or biobased plastic for all its plastics and packaging needs by 2030. The toy giant is also the first in the category to incorporate renewable polymers produced by […]
In New York, a plant-based toothpaste company that counts Grammy-winning rocker Lenny Kravitz as its chief creative officer has expanded into offering mouthwash, whitening pens, floss, and toothbrushes. Twice aims to donate 10% of its profits to Glo Good Foundation, which provides free dental care in underserved regions, once it becomes profitable. The foundation is […]
In Arizona, leading tire manufacturer Bridgestone has been awarded a Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute grant to advance development of natural rubber from guayule, a desert shrub. Bridgestone is targeting 100% renewable materials by 2050 and hopes to begin commercializing guayule rubber by the end of the decade. The Japanese company has been researching […]
In California, Leonardo DiCaprio has invested in the $45-million debut fund of Regeneration.VC, an early-stage venture capital firm focused on climate and sustainability. Co-led by former ice cream exec Dan Fishman and DJ/real estate tycoon Michael Smith, the fund looks to fund startups developing products for the circular economy and regenerative materials. It estimates the […]
In Hollywood, California, three celebrities walked the red carpet for the 94th Academy Awards in gowns made of Lenzing’s TENCEL wood-based fibers, highlighting the potential for more sustainable materials at the highest levels of fashion. Tati Gabrielle, star of Uncharted, You, and Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, wore a custom HELLESSY off-shoulder cape gown made from […]
In New York, fashion designer Tom Ford has announced the finalists for the Ocean-Safe Alternatives Competition’s Plastic Innovation Prize. The eight finalists include three companies—Kelpi, Sway and Zerocycle—converting seaweed into bioplastics or plastic alternatives, as well as Genecis, a startup specializing in reprogramming bacteria to create reusable materials; Marea, an Icelandic start-up converting algae into […]
Cultivated meat startup Primeval Foods is planning tasting events in New York and London for its lab-grown lion, tiger and zebra meat. Based in the United Kingdom, the company focuses on growing exotic meats people would otherwise not get to consume. “We are currently working in the Siberian tiger, leopard, black panther, Bengal tiger, white […]
In Texas, snack giant Frito-Lay has introduced 100% biobased packaging that is industrially compostable and—unlike its first foray into renewable packaging—quiet. Developed in partnership with Printpack, the bags are made of non-food, plant-based materials with newly developed compostable inks. A QR code directs consumers on locating composting drop-off sites or how to obtain a prepaid […]
