In the United Kingdom, researchers at University of Manchester have developed a concrete-like material from dehydrated potatoes, salt, and extraterrestrial dust that it says could enable construction of shelters and other infrastructure on Mars. The material—which they have named StarCrete—is stronger than concrete used on Earth. The work builds on previous efforts to develop building […]
In London, sustainability-focused fashion designer Stella McCartney has tapped supermodel/actress/brow trendsetter Cara Delevingne to model her brand’s first garment made with plant-derived sequins. Dubbed Biosequins, the sustainable sparkle is achieved through plant-derived cellulose and was developed by a joint collaboration between McCartney and Radiant Matter, a materials innovation company also based in the UK. The […]
In Switzerland, a natural latex condom brand is going hard into ESG by switching to renewable electricity and packaging. According to Feelgood Condoms—which boasts the cheeky tagline, “Not only for vegans & animal lovers: Feelgood satisfies everyone”—manufacturing will soon switch to EKOenergy-certified renewable and CO2-neutral energy in its production. EKOenergy certification means there is no […]
In Finland, Woodio has won the prestigious ISH Design Plus Award for its wood-based toilet. Made from a wood composite the Nordic-inspired interiors brand developed in 2017, the Woodio Block is impact-resistant, easy to clean thanks to a dirt-repellent coating, and even feels warm on the skin. It is also compatible with most European Union […]
In Baltimore, synbio startup Conagen, Inc. and biobased compounds maker Natáur LLC have partnered to produce taurine via biotechnology. Taurine is essential for cardiovascular, skeletal muscle, vision, and nervous system function in both humans and animals, but is not produced naturally by plants, fungi, or single-cell protein systems. Currently, taurine for supplements is manufactured from […]
In Denmark, a startup developing natural food colorings has raised an additional €7.1 million to accelerate commercialization. According to Chromologics, the additional funds have brought the entire series seed to €12.6 million. Proceeds will be used to launch its first product: Natu.Red®, a red food coloring produced via fermentation. “We are thrilled to be able […]
In San Diego, L’Oréal has joined the Genomatica-led consortium working to develop, produce and commercialize biotechnology-based alternatives to critical ingredients found in everyday cosmetics, personal care and cleaning products. The brand powerhouse joins founding consortium members Genomatica, Unilever, and Kao Corporation. The partnership is using Genomatica’s proprietary engineered microorganisms to ferment plant sugars that produce […]
In Hollywood, actor Keanu Reeves has thanked researchers for the “surreal” honor of having a deadly but useful molecule named after him. Fungus-killing keanumycins were so named by the Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology as an homage to John Wick, an assassin pulled out of retirement to hunt down a puppy […]
In India, a young product designer has created a prototype of 70% biodegradable headphones made out of bamboo. Twenty-six-year old Aakansh Chaturvedi tells The Better India he chose to pursue headphones because it’s a widely used product globally. “I found out that it is actually quite difficult to manufacture a headphone without plastic,” he says. […]
In Los Angeles, environmental group RCGD Global sent A-listers a sustainable style guide ahead of the 95th annual Academy Awards, held Sunday to much fanfare. The guide recommends attendees wear vintage garments or clothes with natural textiles. Launched in 2010 as a design competition Red Carpet Green Dress, RCGD Global aims to create opportunities for emerging […]
