In the US, a group of cultural activists known as the Barbie Liberation Organization recently faked a Mattel announcement that the toymaker was launching a line of biodegradable Barbie dolls made from mushrooms. Dubbed MyCelia, the dolls were said to feature female role models Julia Butterfly Hill, Greta Thunberg, Nemonte Nenquimo, Phoebe Plummer and Daryl […]
In Australia, Shark Stop has developed shark-bite wetsuits made of biobased neoprene—a welcome innovation as warming waters brings sharks closer to coastal waters. The material took four years to develop and is “scientifically proven” to reduce the depth of a Great White shark bite. According to Shark Stop, the suits are “ideal for surfers and […]
In the Netherlands, Mosa Meat is celebrating ten years since the world’s first cultivated beef burger was unveiled. In a blog post, the company said it was “happy” to be among the 150 cellular agriculture companies that were launched after the August 5, 2013 unveiling, and noted that many of these companies are showing great […]
In Germany, semiconductor manufacturer Infineon Technologies has introduced a biodegradable printed circuit board substrate made from natural fibers. Dubbed Soluboard and designed in partnership with UK’s Jiva Materials, Infineon hopes the innovation will advance the chip manufacturing industry’s sustainability credentials. The fibers replace glass-based fibers that caused higher carbon emissions to produce. And, when placed […]
In Maryland, sports apparel firm Under Armour has signed a hemp sourcing deal with Ecofibre subsidiary Hemp Black worth over $6 million. The two companies signed a memorandum of understanding for Hemp Black to be the exclusive supplier of biobased yarns for three years. According to Just-Style, Under Armor is also investing $4.5 million in […]
In Tokyo, Sumitomo Chemical has tapped Massachusetts-based synbio firm Conagen as a development partner for biobased p-hydroxystyrene and its polymer, poly p-hydroxystyrene. PHS is a pivotal ingredient in the production of polymers, resins, and various chemicals, while the monomer is a fundamental component for the synthesis of substances including pharmaceuticals and fragrances. The two companies […]
In Tokyo, clothing brand Yoke is using brewed protein fiber from Spiber in its Spring/Summer 2024 line, which includes denim jackets, trousers, T-shirts, and sweatshirts. Brewed Protein fibers are plant-based materials made via microbial fermentation. Spiber has been developing Brewed Protein since 2007 using synthetic biology and brought a new production facility online in Thailand […]
In California, Terphane, a specialist manufacturer of polyester films, has partnered with Origin Materials to advance the development of biobased, biaxially oriented polyethylene furanoate. The deal includes a multi-year capacity reservation pact, wherein Terphane commits to procuring renewable PEF from Origin to convert into BOPEF. Applications for the stretched biopolymer film include food and beverage […]
In Colorado, popular skater shoe Vans is hopping onto the Barbie merchandising bandwagon by launching a line of 90s-inspired, pink sneakers and accessories. Notably, the Vans x Barbie product line includes pink slide-style sandals made with 25% biobased materials. The line also includes pink platform sneakers, graphic T-shirts, overalls, and bags priced from $40-$115. Greta […]
In the UK, Prince William filmed an episode of the popular YouTube show Sorted Food to promote the winners of his Earthshot Prize. In the episode, the Prince of Wales manned a food truck that sold products from companies the prize has recognized, including the plant-based Earthshot Burger and Notpla biobased packaging. William conceived the […]
