Author Archive: Rebecca Gendron

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Shareholders approve Novozymes-Chr. Hansen merger

Shareholders approve Novozymes-Chr. Hansen merger

April 3, 2023 |

In Denmark, shareholders of both Novozymes and Chr. Hansen have approved the previously announced merger of the biosolutions leaders in a deal that “unleash[es] the full potential of biological solutions and [will] generate significant value for all stakeholders and society at large.” Called a “perfect match” by Novo Holdings A/S, which is the largest shareholder […]

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US FDA clears GOOD Meat’s cultivated chicken for sale

US FDA clears GOOD Meat’s cultivated chicken for sale

March 27, 2023 |

In California, cultivated meat maker GOOD Meat has received a “no questions” letter from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for its cultivated chicken, marking just the second such approval in the United States. The letter means that “following a careful and rigorous evaluation,” the FDA has accepted the company’s conclusion that its first poultry […]

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adidas launches sugarcane foam slides

adidas launches sugarcane foam slides

March 27, 2023 |

In Germany, sneaker and sportswear brand adidas has launched a renewable version of its popular adiFOM Adilette slides. The slip-ons feature the black and white scheme and three stripes synonymous with the brand, but also include at least 25% renewable materials. The biobased content comes from sugarcane-based foam. The comfy, easy-on slides are available on […]

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Bioplastics maker Danimer Scientific announces $130-million term loan

Bioplastics maker Danimer Scientific announces $130-million term loan

March 27, 2023 |

In Georgia, Danimer Scientific, Inc. has closed a new $130-million senior secured term loan that “significantly improves its near-term liquidity position, and enables it to maintain strategic and operational flexibility.” Arranged by Jefferies, the loan bears an annual rate of 14.4%. After customary fees and expenses, net proceeds to Danimer were $98.6 million,  of which […]

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Stora Enso and Kolon Industries partner on biobased FDCA

Stora Enso and Kolon Industries partner on biobased FDCA

March 27, 2023 |

In Sweden, Stora Enso and Kolon Industries have signed a Joint Development Agreement to develop biobased polyesters and downstream applications, as well as renewable binder resin formulations for applications such as packaging, car tire reinforcements, and films for electronics, panels and displays. The development work will combine Stora Enso’s FuraCore® process for converting fructose into […]

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Hyosung looks to Origin Materials to advance biobased batteries, auto parts and apparel

Hyosung looks to Origin Materials to advance biobased batteries, auto parts and apparel

March 27, 2023 |

In California, Hyosung Materials has signed a reservation agreement to source biobased materials from Origin Materials for use in batteries, automotive parts, and apparel. Under the terms of the agreement, Hyosung Advanced Materials will purchase biobased materials from Origin Materials, including polyethylene terephthalate and a blend of PET and furandicarboxylic acid for use in tire […]

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Pig poop pavement project wins grant

Pig poop pavement project wins grant

March 27, 2023 |

In Illinois, a project looking to convert pig manure and food waste into biobased binding material for road construction and roofing shingles has won a prestigious pitch competition. Conceived by Yuanhui Zhang, a University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign professor and founder of the Environment-Enhancing Energy Laboratory, the project will receive $2.5 million from the USDA’s […]

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Food waste-to-bioplastics startup TripleW raises $16.5 million

Food waste-to-bioplastics startup TripleW raises $16.5 million

March 27, 2023 |

In Israel, lactic acid and polylactic acid startup TripleW has raised $16.5 million to advance the several food waste upgrade projects it has in its pipeline. Founded in 2016, the company uses microorganisms to ferment food waste into lactic acid, which it then purifies and converts to PLA, a leading bioplastic. It already operates a […]

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“Unburritable” idea: Chipotle invests in cultivated oil startup Zero Acre Farms

“Unburritable” idea: Chipotle invests in cultivated oil startup Zero Acre Farms

March 27, 2023 |

In California, Chipotle has invested in cultivated oil startup Zero Acre Farms. The fast-casual burrito chain hopes the funds will advance alternatives to deforestation-linked vegetable oils and boost its ESG cred. Zero Acre Farms is developing a process to manufacture cooking oils via fermentation.  “We have a clear mission: to remove destructive vegetable oils from […]

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Biobased baby buggy by Bugaboo

Biobased baby buggy by Bugaboo

March 20, 2023 |

In New York, parenting solutions company Bugaboo has unveiled its “most premium all-terrain” stroller, which comes complete with eco-friendly materials. The Bugaboo Fox 5 uses mass-balanced biobased material Akulon®, which is manufactured in the Netherlands by DSM. Use of Akulon reduces the strollers’ CO2 emissions by 20%, according to Bugaboo, which claims to be the […]

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