In Florida, researchers at the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Panama are evaluating the use of hagfish slime—a unique goo that can swell to 10,000 times its original size—to clog the propellors of enemy ships. The creepy creature squirts the slime into the gills of would-be predators. Just 90 mg of slime can become a […]
In Boston, a biotech startup called Mori is developing an edible coating that extends the shelf life of food, prevents bacterial contamination, and reduces the need for packaging. Launched by Massachusetts Institute of Technology assistant professor Benedetto Marelli, the technology extracts fibroin from silk industry waste and applies it to everything from vegetables to steaks. […]
In India, Ab InBev’s popular Corona beer brand has switched its cardboard six-pack packaging to waste barley straw. The new material is as durable as its predecessor but does not require virgin wood. The straw would also otherwise be burned—a widespread practice for agricultural waste that is a key contributor to India’s notoriously poor air […]
In Germany, popular toymaker Playmobil has launched a sustainable toy line called Wiltopia that features bioplastic figurines and themes intended to educate children about the environment and animals. Timed for World Environment Day on June 5, the playsets are comprised of over 80% sustainable materials. The materials include recycled materials in addition to bioplastics. “Wiltopia […]
In London, a materials innovation partnership has developed a technique to turn the shells of an invasive mussel species into glass. Bureau de Change, an architecture firm, and designer Lulu Harrison are specifically using the shells of freshwater species quagga mussel. Dubbed Thames Glass, the shells are mixed with sand and wood ash to create […]
In Delaware, China’s Huafon Group has been named as the buyer of DuPont’s polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT) business. First announced in October 2020, the $240-million deal includes Sorona, a partially biobased PTT fiber for carpets and fabrics; a biobased 1,3-propanediol asset in Tennessee; and PDO product lines for multiple applications. Huafon has launched the business as […]
In California, an industrial design student has created a breathable medical cast concept using plant extracts, “recycled” food, and bioplastics. Dubbed AXO, Aadhya Krishna says the 3D-printed cast is comfortable, easy to use, and recyclable. “The goal of the project was to find new sustainable methods to design and manufacture medical casts, to reduce the […]
In California, leading plant-based meat maker has tapped Kim Kardashian as its first chief taste consultant. In a press statement, the company calls Kardashian an “icon synonymous with impeccable taste in food, fashion, beauty and more.” The media mogul noted that she has been focusing more on a plant-based diet and claims Beyond Meat is […]
In Belgium, a master luthier has created a cello made from a flax composite textile as an environmentally friendly alternative to the protected species of wood often used to produce string instruments. Using mirror-twilled fabric layered with flax, Tim Duerinck was able to mimic the patterns—and sounds—of conventional wooden cellos. The cello was made by […]
In the Netherlands, biologists from Burger’s Zoo in Arnhem have teamed up with Delft-based startup Reefy and University of Wageningen to test materials for coral reef restoration in the zoo’s 750,000-liter aquarium. The material is an undisclosed biopolymer that is biodegradable. “The coral needs a base to grow on. By the time the coral is […]
