In Newfoundland, researchers at Memorial University have described a process to turn fish heads, bones, skin and guts into a biodegradable replacement for polyurethane. The researchers first extracted oil from Atlantic salmon waste polymer, then added oxygen to form epoxides. When reacted with carbon dioxide, the epoxides become connected by nitrogen-containing amines, creating a new […]
In New York, mycelium-based materials firm Ecovative has raised $60 million to add capacity and advance development and commercialization in textiles, packaging and food sectors. The Series D round brings Ecovative’s total funding to $100 million. It was led by Viking Global Investors, and Senator Investment Group, Trousdale Ventures, and AiiM Partners also participated. Mycelium […]
In Houston, NexEvo is gearing up for a 2022 Mardi Gras celebration that is not only more festive than 2021’s toned-down, mid-pandemic celebration, but is also greener. Called “throws,” bead necklaces thrown to passerby are key to any Fat Tuesday celebration but generate large amounts of waste plastic. According to Houma Today, 46 tons of […]
In South Korea, design firm Newtab-22 is turning waste shells from seafood and aquaculture industries into a terrazzo-like material. Dubbed Sea Stone, the shells are ground and mixed with natural, patent-pending binders to create a material that can replace concrete in small products like tiles, table tops and vases. Shells contain calcium carbonate, or limestone, […]
In Japan, blade maker Kai will soon introduce what it claims to be the world’s first paper razor. The razor’s design is inspired by origami and milk carton packaging. Consumers receive the blade and flatpack, water-resistant handle, which they have to fold into shape themselves. “Paper Razor aims to transform the razor into a plastic-free […]
In Massachusetts, researchers at Boston College are considering spinach as an edible scaffolding material to produce lab-grown more cost effectively. After paring the leaves down to just its veins, the researchers were able to grow bovine animal protein along the spinach’s vascular network. The cells were viable for two weeks and differentiated into muscle. “Cellular […]
In California, A-listers Kris Jenner and Chrissy Teigen have launched a home cleaning and self-care brand containing plant-based ingredients and natural aromatherapy scents. Dubbed Safely, the line includes hand cream, soap and sanitize as well as glass cleaner and a universal cleaner. Jenner is the matriarch of the Kardashian Clan, and Teigen is a model […]
In California, synthetic biology firm Zymergen has filed for a $100 million IPO, according to a document with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Zymergen says it has 10 products in development, consisting of three in electronics, four with consumer care applications and three in agriculture. The company’s biofacturing platform discovers biomolecules and engineers microbes that […]
In California, cultured meat startup Orbillion Bio is targeting high-end foodie-favorite meats, including Wagyu meatloaf, lamb burgers, and elk sausages. The strategy to pursue expensive cuts is intended to help the company reach price parity earlier than cultured meat firms targeting cheaper meats, like chicken nuggets or ground beef. CEO Patricia Bubner says she hopes […]
In the United Kingdom, designer Alice Turner has introduced a conceptual countertop bioreactor device that would, in the future, allow consumers to grow their own meat. Dubbed Carnerie, Turner believes such a device will be feasible about 20 years in the future. The app-controlled machine would employ technology currently being developed by cultivated meat companies. […]
