Author Archive: Rebecca Gendron

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Vegan bacon perfume sells out in minutes

Vegan bacon perfume sells out in minutes

February 21, 2022 |

In London, a vegan perfume formulated to smell like bacon sold out in 20 minutes. The Valentine’s Day publicity stunt, orchestrated by alternative meat company THIS, was based on research that showed UK consumers ranked bacon as one of the sexiest scents.  Enthusiasm outpaced their expectations, however; Eau Du Isn’t Bacon had an extremely limited […]

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Origin Materials eyes $750-million bioplastic precursor plant

Origin Materials eyes $750-million bioplastic precursor plant

February 21, 2022 |

In Ascension Parish, Louisiana, biobased materials firm Origin Materials is planning to build its second manufacturing plant.  Although the project is still subject to finalization of an economic incentives package, Origin says the plant, dubbed Origin 2, would produce biobased chloromethyl furfural, a precursor to high-volume plastic polyethylene terephthalate.  The 150-acre facility would create an […]

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Bocce goes biobased

Bocce goes biobased

February 21, 2022 |

In Georgia, artificial grass maker SYNLawn—known for using biobased ingredients, such as soy and sugarcane—has developed a line of turf specifically for Bocce.  Called SYNPro, the Bocce Ball Court System is available for commercial and residential installations.  “Since more and more people want to spend time outdoors, we have seen an increase in the popularity […]

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It’s about time: Casio launches biobased watch

It’s about time: Casio launches biobased watch

February 21, 2022 |

In Japan, popular watch brand Casio has launched a new watch line that incorporates materials made from castor seeds and corn. The PRO TREK PRW-61Y series uses bioplastics in its band and case back and is targeted for the outdoorsy consumer.  The partially biobased timepiece is available in khaki, all-black, and silver dial versions. Each […]

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All you need is plant-based chicken: Paul McCartney backs Singapore alt protein

All you need is plant-based chicken: Paul McCartney backs Singapore alt protein

February 21, 2022 |

In Singapore, ex-Beatle Paul McCartney has participated in a $100-million series A funding round for Next Gen Foods, the alternative protein company behind plant-based chicken, TiNDLE.  MPL Ventures, McCartney’s investment firm, joined Alpha JWC, EDBI, Temasek’s Asia Sustainable Food Platform, GGV Capital, K3 Ventures and Bits x Bites  in the fund raise.   TiNDLE will […]

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Face-hiding pop artist Sia invests in cultivated pet food startup

Face-hiding pop artist Sia invests in cultivated pet food startup

February 21, 2022 |

In Colorado, alternative protein pet food startup Bond Pet Foods has added Australian singer Sia to its stable of investors.  Founded in 2017, Bond Pet Foods has been using ingredients like pea protein and peanut butter to make plant-based dog food, and recently moved into cultivated meat. It has claimed the world’s first cultured chicken […]

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Kansas company creates more comfortable prosthetics using hemp fiber

Kansas company creates more comfortable prosthetics using hemp fiber

February 21, 2022 |

In Kansas, a company called Human Plant Solutions has developed lower-extremity prosthetics using a hemp fibers.   The company was cofounded in 2017 by medical device entrepreneur Sam Spallitta and prosthetic technician Kyle Trivisonno after the two met at a hemp conference. The company is using hemp yarn sourced from China and automated knitting equipment […]

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Mushroom yoga bags from Lululemon will stretch your budget

Mushroom yoga bags from Lululemon will stretch your budget

February 14, 2022 |

In Vancouver, high-end athleisure brand Lululemon has begun selling two products made from Bolt Thread’s mushroom-based material. The offering includes the Meditation and Yoga Mat Bag, a 3-in-1 yoga mat bag that doubles as a floor mat and can be carried rolled up or folded in half, and the Barrel Duffel Bag.  Adding sustainability to […]

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Researchers in Austria 3D print squishy finger robots

Researchers in Austria 3D print squishy finger robots

February 14, 2022 |

In Austria, a team at Johannes Kepler University Linz has created a squishy robot by 3D printing a gel made from gelatin, sugar, citric acid, and glycerol.  The team published the first iteration of this recipe in 2022. In their most recent work, published in Science Robotics, they added citric acid to keep microorganisms away […]

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Hugo Boss invests in cellulosic fiber technology

Hugo Boss invests in cellulosic fiber technology

February 14, 2022 |

In Germany, fashion brand Hugo Boss has partnered with HeiQ AeoniQ LLC to advance its cellulosic filament yarn. HeiQ AeoniQ LLC, a fully owned subsidiary of Swiss innovator HeiQ Plc, says the fiber can replace petroleum-based incumbents like polyester and nylon and binds carbon from the atmosphere.  Hugo Boss also made a $5 million equity […]

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