In Germany, Vyld, a producer of biobased absorbent products, has raised a “seven-figure sum” to launch Kelpon, the world’s first tampon made from seaweed, and proceed with the pilot phase of Vyndel, a compostable diaper with an algae core and no plastic or superabsorbents. Last fall, the company completed a successful trial for Kelpon with […]
In California, biotech-enabled fragrance startup Sensegen has announced a strategic collaboration with flavor and fragrance giant Takasago. The pact will leverage Sensegen’s recent advances in developing natural musk raw materials. The two companies hope to move the perfume industry beyond synthetic petroleum-based fragrances and traditional extracts. “Takasago’s rich fragrance expertise, combined with Sensegen’s innovative biotech […]
In California, environmental nonprofit the 5 Gyres has released findings questioning the biodegradability of certain bioplastics, including polylactic acid. The report, called Better Alternatives 3.0, found that some bioplastic packaging and items did not decompose after being buried underground for 64 weeks, regardless of the climate and soil conditions. For example, though PLA straws decomposed […]
In Germany, a company called Proservation has developed a molded packaging product from grain cultivation waste that could replace Styrofoam. Called Recou, the impact-resistant material is made from the husk and chaff that is either thrown out, burned or used as animal bedding after grain harvest. Proservation uses a biobased binder, meaning the whole product […]
In California, biomanufacturing firm ZymoChem has closed a $21 million Series A to advance its first product to commercial scale. The round was led by Breakout Ventures and included new investors lululemon, a producer of high-end athletic apparel, and Toyota Ventures. Returning investors GS Futures, KdT Ventures, and Cavallo Ventures also participated. ZymoChem’s technology uses […]
In Denmark, AMSilk has partnered with 21st.BIO to accelerate the production of advanced materials made from proteins based on spider silk. Under the terms of the collaboration, 21st.BIO has developed a new protein production strain for AIMSilk that is created from highly specialized precision fermented microorganisms. The new strain ensures extracellular expression of silk proteins, […]
In Japan, Kering, the French multinational behind Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, and Alexander McQueen have joined a circular textile initiative launched by protein fermentation firm Spiber. The biosphere circulation project aims to regenerate biobased and biodegradable textile and agricultural waste using Spiber’s technology. The product, called Brewed Protein, can be used as substitutes for […]
In Slovakia, Evonik has manufactured the first volumes at its Slovenská Ľupča biobased rhamnolipids plant. The triple-digit million-euro facility will meet high demand for biobased and biodegradable surfactants for cleaning and personal care applications. It will also support an agreement with Unilever, which aims to phase out the use of ingredients based on fossil fuels […]
In Bassens, France, Michelin, IFPEN and Axens have inaugurated the first industrial-scale demonstration plant for production of bio-based butadiene. Located at a Michelin facility, the plant was built within the framework of the BioButterfly project and was supported by the French Agency for Environment and Energy Management. The BioButterfly project aims to develop and commercialize […]
In Israel, regulators have been the first to approve cultivated beef for human consumption. Aleph Farms says that, after a rigorous review, the Israel’s Ministry of Health has issued a “No Questions” letter for its Aleph Cut cultivated beef. To date, only a handful of approvals have been achieved globally, and all were for cultivated […]
