In the Netherlands, Ballast Nedam Development is planning eight houses with prefab straw panels. The design was the result of a contest dubbed “Nature House,” or Natuurhuis in Dutch, to develop materials for climate-positive housing. The first pilot project will take place in Heeze in the province of Noord-Brabant. “The Nature House fulfils the high […]
In New York, mycelium textiles producer Ecovative has welcomed fashion brand Reformation into its Fashion for Good Cooperative and inked a separate deal with Wolverine Worldwide to evaluate its leather alternatives for use in Wolverine’s footwear. Ecovative’s products are completely biobased, free of toxic chemicals, fully compostable, and grown on agricultural byproducts such as woodchips […]
In Portugal, chemical major Solvay has announced an undisclosed investment in Suanfarma’s Lisbon manufacturing site to support production of natural ingredients via fermentation. This transaction, to be completed by mid-2023, is the first step of a long-term strategic alliance with Suanfarma. The expanded capacity will enable Solvay to grow its capabilities for natural ingredients in […]
In California, a wellness brand best known for questionable health advice, occasionally tone-deaf promotion of ultra-luxury items, and A-list founder Gwyneth Paltrow has launched a self-deprecating publicity stunt to call attention to diaper taxes in the US. The Goop campaign began with an Instagram post introducing “The Diapér,” an over-the-top luxurious diaper lined with virgin […]
In Canada, a newly launched sexual wellness brand is selling biodegradable condoms that eschew the “unnecessary and harmful” ingredients found in mass-marketed prophylactics. Dubbed Jems, the company uses only natural latex and silicone lubricant. The female-led startup says on its website that its condoms are “made with intention” and free of parabens, paraffins, talc, benzocaine, […]
In Pennsylvania, food giant Kraft Heinz is developing prototype ketchup bottles made of paper in collaboration with Pulpex, the company behind Johnny Walker’s paper-based whiskey pilot in early 2021. The paper bottles will be recyclable and made from sustainably sourced wood pulp. “Packaging waste is an industrywide challenge that we must all do our part […]
In London, industrial design studio Morrama has developed a prototype rapid test for COVID-19 that is biodegradable and recyclable. They hope the design will encourage test manufacturers to reduce the amount of plastics in at-home COVID-19 tests. Dubbed Eco-Flo, the concept test kits are made of recyclable paper pulp and reduces the wasteful leaflets and […]
In Germany, BMW has become the first OEM to use partially renewable automotive coatings produced by chemicals giant BASF. The BMW Group will use BASF Coatings’ CathoGuard® 800 ReSource e-coat at its plants in Leipzig, Germany, and Rosslyn, South Africa, as well as the iGloss® matt ReSource clearcoat throughout Europe. Switching to corrosion-protection coatings with […]
In the UK, biochemists at University of Cambridge have run a computer chip on algae for more than six months. Carried out in the home of one of the study’s authors, the “pandemic project” essentially created a biobased battery alternative that could power small electronics without rare earth elements that are already in short supply […]
In Germany, outdoor brand Doghammer has claimed the world’s first 100% vegan mountain bike shoe. Dubbed Bike Graveler, the shoe includes alternative leather, canvas, and cork. The sole is made of recycled rubber, and vegan glue is used throughout. The cork insole is removable for quick drying after a particularly sweaty or muddy session. The […]
