In Italy, engineering and technology conglomerate Maire Tecnimont has acquired a majority stake in biodegradable monomer firm Conser. Upon closing, the 83.5% stake will be held by Maire Tecnimont subsidiary NextChem Holding S.p.A., which under the terms of the agreement has an option to retain the remaining 16.5% within the next 3 years. Conser, which […]
In Pennsylvania, Crayola has partnered with a biodegradable glitter maker to produce colorful and sparkly sunscreen for kids. Partner Sunshine & Glitter, whose glitter is made from wood cellulose and readily biodegrades, says the “brands’ shared values of safety, quality, fun and self-expression” made the partnership a natural alignment. “Crayola is such a legacy brand […]
In Tel Aviv, material science company Balena hopes to shortly launch 60% biobased, 100% compostable, and cinnamon-scented slide-style sandals. Made from a proprietary natural elastomer dubbed BioCir, Balena’s slides are made using molds. The cinnamon scent comes from tea waste sourced from Israel. Founder David Roubach tells ISRAEL21c that the slides decompose in industrial composers. […]
In London, design publication dezeen is highlighting the potential of seashells as starting material for everything from construction to crockery. The shells of sea creatures like lobsters and scallops are comprised mostly of calcium carbonate, which is similar to limestone. Designers looking to incorporate sustainability into their products and repurpose seafood industry waste are leading […]
In Iceland, a supplier of natural astaxanthin from algae is attracting collaborators with ideas on how to use the leftover materials. Currently, Algalif dries microalgae and extracts relevant molecules for use in supplements, while the leftover biomass is used for fertilizer. But Julie Encausse, founder and CEO of bioplastic start-up Marea, is looking to use […]
In Germany, food tech startup Project Eaden has added €2.1 million (US$2.3 million) to previously announced seed funding to advance its meat fiber spinning technology. The additional cash brings the total fundraise to just under $11 million. Based in Berlin, Project Eaden believes its bio fibers can be “spun” onto spools and then bundled to […]
In Indonesia, Mowilex has created a 28% biobased paint that is not only more sustainable to produce, but also converts harmful formaldehyde into water vapor. Called Naturalle, the paint swaps petroleum-based resins with ingredients made from seeds, stalks and grasses sourced from Michigan’s Dow, Inc. “PRIMAL™ RN Biobased Acrylic Emulsion and FORMASHIELD™ Technology from Dow […]
In Chicago, special purpose acquisition company AMCI Acquisition Corp. II has scheduled a special meeting of its stockholders to vote on the proposed business combination with LanzaTech. Founded in 2005, LanzaTech transforms waste carbon into materials such as sustainable fuels, fabrics, packaging, and other products that people use in their daily lives. The vote is […]
In California, Visolis has raised $8 million in seed funding to advance its platform, which combines synthetic biology and traditional chemical catalysis to manufacture biobased chemicals. Visolis currently operates facilities in Hayward, CA and Libertyville, IL. It has commercial products and partnerships with leading chemical and skincare brands and has developed methods to produce key […]
In Chicago, fast food mainstay McDonald’s is the latest chain to receive pushback from consumers who demand sustainable service items but will not suffer any inconvenience. McDonald’s recently swapped the plastic straw/spoon combo on its popular McFlurry packaging to a paper alternative, but social media is grumbling over the combo serviceware’s performance. “Love a Maccy […]
