In Sarnia, Ontario, biobased chemicals maker Origin Materials has begun commercial-scale production at Origin 1. The Sarnia plant is Origin’s first large production asset and the first commercial plant of its kind. The facility uses Origin’s technology for converting sustainable wood residues into intermediate chemicals, including chloromethylfurfural, hydrothermal carbon, and oils and extractives. These building […]
In South Korea, LG Chem and GS Caltex have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to advance their efforts to develop biobased 3-hydroxypropionic acid, an essential raw material for biodegradable plastics. The MOU follows a 2021 Joint Development Agreement between the two companies and construction of a 3HP testing plant at the GS Caltex Yeosu Plant […]
In California, biotech-based specialty chemicals company Sensegen has launched seven autumnal flavors just in time for leaf-peeping/spooky season. This biobased “culinary journey through autumn” includes vanilla, caramel, chocolate, hazelnut, pistachio, coffee, and lavender. The ingredients are all produced using precision fermentation. “Our seven Fall Flavors are purposefully crafted to resonate with the moods of autumn. […]
In Maine, a prototype house 3D printed out of biobased materials has passed the all-important “Maine winter” test, raising hopes the concept can help ease the state’s housing crunch. Developed by the University of Maine, the 600-square-foot prototype features 3D-printed floors, walls and roof of wood fibers and bio-resins. The house is fully recyclable and […]
In Finland, Stora Enso, FrostPharma and Mälarplast have jointly developed a bioplastic container for hazardous waste. Dubbed WoodSafe, the polypropylene containers are made using tall oil produced from Nordic wood fibers. They are suitable for medical and laboratory settings, and are already being used in Swedish hospitals. WoodSafe also boasts a 66% lower carbon emissions […]
In Indiana, Liberation Labs is set to launch a Series A financing round to help build its $115-million facility in Richmond. The company was formed to address the growing fermentation capacity gap in cellular agriculture by providing the industry with the infrastructure to commercialize novel protein manufacturing at the scale and cost structure required by […]
In Australia, Reef Design Lab is mixing concrete with oyster shells to create Erosion Mitigation Units that also provide marine life a habitat. Digital modeling analysis and traditional casting methods were used to form organic shapes with favorable habitat conditions. The oyster shells create a welcoming surface for shellfish, while tunnels in the EMUs encourage […]
In France, Arkema has lowered the carbon footprint of its entire biobased polyamide 11 production base by 46%, reaching less than 2 kg CO2e/kg. The improvement was achieved by using renewable or low carbon energy sources and making several energy efficiency improvements at its production sites. It represents an improvement of around 70% relative to […]
In Australia, a team at RMIT University hopes mixing coffee grounds with concrete will reduce the amount of sand mined for concrete production while simultaneously divert coffee waste from landfills. “Our research group was discussing shifting our focus to divert this waste from landfills and develop innovative solutions to transforming this waste into a valuable […]
In Emeryville, California, Bolt Threads has announced a definitive agreement for a business combination with Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC) Golden Arrow Merger Corp. The deal would result in Bolt Threads becoming a public company with a pro forma enterprise valuation of $346.1 million. A proprietary polypeptide in Bolt Threads’ b-silk replaces silicone elastomers in […]
