In the United Kingdom, designer/photographer Zena Holloway has created a wedding dress out of wheatgrass root and is showcasing the garment at the Chelsea flower show in London. Holloway told The Guardian she was inspired to pursue sustainable design after witnessing the impact of plastics pollution while photographing the ocean. “I saw the growing amount […]
In Korea, Hyundai has showcased a 3D printed, 10-meter tall bioplastic tree that performs photosynthesis. Dubbed Tree One, the sculpture was manufactured by design studio EcoLogicStudio and exhibited at the automaker’s Busan and Seoul facilities. The sculpture employs an EcoLogicStudio-developed biopolymer made from algae biomass; chitin derived from mycelium, mushrooms or crustacean shells; agar derived […]
In Michigan, chemicals major Dow has secured biobased ethylene supply from New Energy Blue for production of renewable polyethylene. The PE will be used in applications such as transportation, footwear, and packaging. New Energy Blue’s ethylene is produced from corn crop waste, including stalks and leaves, and has a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to […]
In Ontario, researchers with the wasteCANcreate program are looking to turn starchy food waste—including potato peels and corn stalks—into nylon for everyday items like yoga pants. Led by Ontario Genomics, the project is a collaborative effort by a consortium of businesses and institutions, including University of Toronto, University of Waterloo and Carleton University, to produce […]
In China, lactic acid producer Jindan New Biomaterials has licensed Sulzer’s polylactic acid process for a planned 75,000 metric tons PLA bioplastics plant in the Henan Province. The bioplastics will be used in food packaging, molded goods and textile fibers production. Sulzer will also provide “extensive service support” to ensure a seamless start. Financial terms […]
In South Korea, CJ Biomaterials has partnered with Dongil Platech to develop a new eco-friendly straw made from polylactic acid and CJ Biomaterials’ PHACT amorphous polyhydroxyalkanoate biopolymer. By combining PLA and aPHA—a softer, more rubbery version of PHA—the two companies can produce a material with higher-performing properties and a faster rate of biodegradation. “We expect […]
In the United Kingdom, specialty chemical maker Croda International Plc and the Universities of Nottingham and York are collaborating to develop novel, sustainable polymers for liquid formulations. Such polymers are used for emulsification and formulation stabilization in a number of day-to-day items, including crop protection and personal care products. Royal Society of Chemistry estimates that […]
In Illinois, scientists with the Agricultural Research Service’s National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research are eyeing soy processing waste as kitty litter. In a recent Bioresource Technology manuscript, they describe a commercial use for soybean hulls and other agricultural waste that reduces the dust and smell of cat urine compared to traditional sodium bentonite litter. […]
In Italy, a bioplastics installation that changes color based on UV radiation has been on display at Milan Design Week. Designed by Crafting Plastics Studio and DumoLab Research, the hanging installation—dubbed entitled Sensbiom 2—is made from cellulose and algae infused with photochromic elements. The latter makes the Sensbiom 2 change colors in the presence of […]
In Italy, medical supplies company Corman has codeveloped a bioplastic tampon applicator in collaboration with Slovenian sanitary supply firm, Tosama. The applicators, which are made by injection-molding waste from wheat, corn and sugarcane, took a decade to develop and will be sold under the Organyc brand, beginning in the third quarter. “Tosama is one of […]
