In Hong Kong, chemical maker LyondellBasell and baby care products leader Pigeon Singapore have announced a collaboration in sustainable baby nursing bottles. The partnership will incorporate LyondellBasell’s biobased CirculenRenew polypropylene polymers into Pigeon’s revamped series of nursing bottles, marking a pivotal shift away from traditional 100% virgin PP resins. CirculenRenew polymers, utilized in the cap, […]
In Scotland, researchers at St. Andrews University have found that cocoa pod husks—an abundant waste product of chocolate and other industries—could be used to make more sustainable flame retardants. Led by chemistry and chemical biology professor Dr. Nicholas Westwood, the study found that processed lignin from cocoa pod husks could enhance the already high flame-smothering […]
In the Netherlands, a seaweed-based plastic that is best known for winning Prince of Wales’ Earthshot Prize in 2022 has been named the first—and only—plastic-free material by the European Union. The designation was awarded after a nearly year-long verification process by the EU’s Single-Use Plastics Directive and exempts the material from the Netherlands’ 25-cent tax […]
In Arkansas, Greenlab has tapped Boston-based strain developer Ginkgo Bioworks to discover a novel enzyme to biodegrade PFAS, a group of “forever chemicals” implicated in adverse health impacts. Specifically, Greenlab has partnered with Ginkgo Enzyme Services, which provides companies with end-to-end enzyme discovery and optimization R&D services. Under the terms of the agreement, Ginkgo will […]
In London, a toothbrush brand endorsed by actress-turned-lifestyle-guru Gwenyth Paltrow is targeting circular and biobased materials to counter the 4 billion non-biodegradable toothbrushes that end up in landfills each year. SURI toothbrushes feature plant-based heads and bristles and an aluminum body that can be repaired for extended use. The toothbrush’s are made from castor oil […]
In India, a lingerie brand led by two sisters is emphasizing renewable materials like corn fiber and sugar beet to promote sustainable fashion. Dubbed Intimate Queen, the brand also aims to be body-inclusive to embrace underserved women. “The lingerie industry lacked the best fit, lift and support as well as products that were environment friendly,” […]
In the Netherlands, designer Kyran Knauf wants to introduce a truly alternative protein to people’s diets: crickets. He has created a small device that will allow people to breed and grow the bugs in their own kitchens. Dubbed Crikorama, the machine can accommodate 30 crickets at a time. “I generally have two passions, which are […]
In Italy, multinational Eni is in talks to sell a minority stake in its Novamont bioplastics subsidiary, according to a Reuters report. A source with knowledge of the discussions believes the deal could garner $1.1 billion. Eni bought out the 64% of Novamont it did not already own from Investitori Associati II and NB Renaissance […]
In Europe, the European Innovation Council Work Programme 2024 will provide €50 million in aid to startups and small businesses scaling alternative protein production, with a focus on precision fermentation. The funds are part of the Horizon Europe program, which aims to increase the efficiency and sustainability of EU’s food chain. According to vegconomist, companies […]
In Denmark, Novozymes and Chr. Hansen have announced that the name of their combined company will be Novonesis. Announced earlier this year, the merger of Novozymes and Chr. Hansen creates a biosolutions giant with a global network of more than 23 manufacturing sites and close to 40 R&D and application centers, employing around 10,000. “The […]
