Author Archive: Rebecca Gendron

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“Let’s Get Physical” sustainable activewear line is the 80s throwback we deserve

“Let’s Get Physical” sustainable activewear line is the 80s throwback we deserve

June 21, 2021 |

In London, sustainable apparel firm PANGAIA is set to launch an activewear line that incorporates numerous renewable materials while at the same time paying homage to the distinct, albeit occasionally regrettable, fashion trends of the 1980s.  The “Let’s Get Physical” campaign features 1980s mainstays like legwarmers and brightly colored jumpsuits and bike shorts. The line […]

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Nike adds pineapple leather to materials palette

Nike adds pineapple leather to materials palette

June 21, 2021 |

In Oregon, sneaker giant Nike has introduced a new collection incorporating a pineapple-based leather alternative produced in the Philippines. The Happy Pineapple collection debuted on June 17th and features some of Nike’s most recognizable styles, such as Air Force and Air Max.  The material—called Pinatex—is produced by United Kingdom’s Ananas Anam.  The material is made […]

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Gucci develops vegan leather

Gucci develops vegan leather

June 21, 2021 |

In Italy, luxury brand Gucci has launched its first eco-friendly sneaker, featuring animal-free leather developed in-house. Dubbed Demetra, the material was developed at Gucci’s Gruppo Colonna plant in Tuscany. It is 77% plant-based, using viscose, wood pulp and renewable polyurethane.  The sneakers also use organic cotton and recycled steel and polyester.  The shoes will be […]

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Trippy treatment: Startup synthesizes medicinal ‘shrooms

Trippy treatment: Startup synthesizes medicinal ‘shrooms

June 21, 2021 |

In Canada, Core One Labs has developed a process to make psilocybin biosynthetically, opening doors for a more efficient and controlled method of producing the psychedelic for medical purposes.  Psilocybin, best known as the compound that gives “magic mushrooms” their magic, is being eyed as a medical treatment for depression, anxiety, and addiction.  Core One […]

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Green sneaker pioneer Allbirds calls for more investment in natural materials

Green sneaker pioneer Allbirds calls for more investment in natural materials

June 21, 2021 |

In California,  eco-friendly sneaker brand Allbirds is calling for more investment and innovation in natural materials. In an interview with design publication dezeen, the company’s head of sustainability says efforts to reduce carbon emissions in the sneaker industry are being hampered by the shortfall.  “We lament how natural materials maybe don’t perform as well as […]

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Meat without feet (or fins): Chicago company reports alternative seafood breakthrough

Meat without feet (or fins): Chicago company reports alternative seafood breakthrough

June 21, 2021 |

In Chicago, alternative seafood startup AquaCultured Foods claims to have produced the world’s first “whole muscle seafood alternative” via fermentation. The process uses fungi to produce seafood substitutes for products like calamari, shrimp, whitefish, and tuna.  “Plant-based seafood is an area that has been notoriously lacking in options,” says Anne Palermo, CEO and cofounder, AquaCultured […]

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Symrise plans natural food coloring sale

Symrise plans natural food coloring sale

June 21, 2021 |

In Germany, specialty chemicals giant Symrise AG has received an offer from Chr. Hansen Natural Colors A/S, now known as Oterra, to acquire its natural food coloring activities for an undisclosed sum. Symrise says it welcomes the offer, having decided to focus its flavor and nutrition segment on core business.   “[The deal] supports our goal […]

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Biocement looks to solve infrastructure’s massive carbon problem

Biocement looks to solve infrastructure’s massive carbon problem

June 21, 2021 |

In North Carolina, startup Biomason is making tiles and bricks out of bacteria to provide an alternative to cement, which is responsible for large amounts of carbon dioxide emissions.  Cofounder and CEO Ginger Krieg Dosier tells Forbes that if cement were a country, it would be the world’s third largest emitter, behind China and the […]

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Kanye set to drop algae-foam Yeezy sneakers

Kanye set to drop algae-foam Yeezy sneakers

June 14, 2021 |

In Oregon, Kanye West’s Yeezy sneaker line is set to drop three new designs made using algae-based foam.  Dubbed Yeezy Foam Runner, the sneakers are made in the distinct Yeezy style and are offered in yellow and camouflage. They are expected to go on sale in July, while a red algae-foam Yeezy kick will be […]

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Undisputed GOAT Tom Brady expands biodegradable sunglass line

Undisputed GOAT Tom Brady expands biodegradable sunglass line

June 14, 2021 |

In New York, sunglass company Christopher Cloos has added new styles to the biodegradable sunglass line it launched late last year with Greatest Of All Time quarterback Tom Brady under center as spokesman. The line focuses on classic shapes and designs and uses M49 Mazzucchelli, a bioplastic made in Italy and composed of cellulose acetate, […]

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