In Japan, Kaneka has announced plans to triple production capacity for its biodegradable poly 3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate (PHBH) polymer. The company expects to spend about ¥15 billion (US$130 million) to add 15,000 tons of annual capacity by 2024. The company already has capacity for 5,000 tons a year. The biopolymer—sold under the brand Green Planet—is produced from […]
In Switzerland, chemical company Clariant has launched a range of 100% biobased surfactants and polyethylene glycols. Dubbed Vita, the ingredients were developed for formulators looking to boost natural content of detergents, hair and body shampoos, paints, industrial lubricants, and crop formulations. “From the packaging to the many ingredients, a typical consumer product in coatings, personal […]
In Finland, tire company Nokian has released a concept tire made with 93% sustainable materials. Dubbed Green Step, all the rubber used in the tire is of natural origin, as are almost all the plasticizers, resins, and processing aids. Natural rice husk ash silica is used as the main filler for the tread and sidewall, […]
In Wisconsin, bologna baron Oscar Mayer has introduced a face mask meant to physically resemble the mortadella mainstay of middle school sandwiches, while moisturizing your skin with wholesome, natural ingredients like witch hazel, seaweed, and collagen. The masks are not edible, but do invoke nostalgia with red and yellow packaging synonymous with Oscar Mayer bologna. […]
In California, novelty sandal brand Sanuk has introduced three new styles that incorporate biobased and recycled materials and target fans of the Grateful Dead. Dubbed SustainaSole™ SANUK x GRATEFUL DEAD, the footwear feature the iconic Steal Your Face Grateful Dead album art, red and blue stitching, and tie-dye design elements. Biobased content includes jute […]
In the UK, a local city council is installing traffic-control pillars made out of a plant-based biopolymer. Commonly called bollards, such obstructions are meant to protect pedestrians from contact with vehicles—be it unintentional or otherwise—in high traffic areas. According to Hampshire County Council, the biobased bollards are lower weight—and thus easier and cheaper to install—than […]
In Atlanta, Delta has announced it will use bamboo and other biodegradable items for some single-use in-flight service items, such as cutlery. The new bamboo items will first be used for packaged meals in first class before rolling out to the plebs in the main cabin later this year. The airline expects the switch, as […]
In California, WNDR Alpine Skis has agreed to share its technology for incorporating algae-based materials into its products to help lift the sustainability profile of the entire sport. WNDR’s skis incorporate algae oil developed by its parent company, Checkerspot, into the core and sidewalls. Checkerspot has also been working with DPS, another ski maker, to […]
In Finland, forest-based fuels and chemicals maker UPM said its planned biobased ethylene glycol and propylene glycol plant at Leuna, German will be delayed about year, citing challenges stemming from the pandemic and widespread supply chain disruptions. “[T]he pandemic has materially slowed down the completion of the detailed engineering in Leuna,” says Jussi Pesonen, UPM […]
In New York, mycelium materials company Ecovative has launched Forager, a division focused on designing, marketing, and manufacturing mycelium-based materials and foams for the fashion and automotive industries. Grown on agricultural byproducts like corn husks, Forager’s pure mycelium materials are fully biodegradable and home compostable. Forager will utilize Ecovative’s AirMycelium™ technology to produce large sheets […]
