In the United Kingdom, a startup developing fermentation-based alternatives to palm oil hopes to begin sales in 2023. Palm oil is used across numerous products in food, cosmetics, and biofuels, but despite being renewable it is often linked to extensive deforestation and further threat to endangered species. Despite this, the palm oil market is forecast […]
In Australia, the Michael Lett Gallery has a unique “sculpture” for sale—a pickle from a McDonald’s burger artist Matthew Griffin stuck to the gallery’s ceiling. On sale for NZD 10,000 (USD$6,300), the work, entitled “Pickle,” is related to a broader gallery exhibition on “transience, distance, and time,” according to Design Boom. Griffin’s representative, Ryan Moore […]
In Houston, researchers at Rice University have created a new field of research—dubbed necrobotics—with the invention of a dead spider claw machine. In a paper published in Advanced Science, the team describes using a dead wolf spider to pick up small objects. Essentially, they superglued a dead spider to a syringe and puffed air through […]
In California, a fermentation-based cooking oil startup backed by Robert Downey Jr. and co-founded by metabolic engineering pioneer Jay Keasling, has put its first product for sale on its website. Zero Acre Farms’ oil—which the company claims is “sky-high” in healthy fats, low in bad fats, gluten-free, GMO-free, and deforestation-free—is available for $29.99 per bottle. […]
In Italy and Germany, luxury fashion house Gucci and sneaker giant adidas have partnered to create a colorful streetwear line that emphasizes sustainable components. Dubbed Gazelle, the designs include “sustainable, renewable, and bio-based” materials,” although more specifics other than cotton were not included. Sneakers from the collection will set you back $850, although the hats […]
In New Jersey, watchmaker Casio has expanded its biomass-based watch collection with three new watches. Incorporating raw materials from castor beans and corn, the Pro Trek Biomass Collection includes the PRG340 Climber series designed for mountain climbing, trekking, and other outdoor activities. According to Casio, the series’ bezels, which are more prone to impact than […]
In Margate, UK, designer Carly Breame has converted the leftover fish bones, potato peels and oyster shells from one of the seaside town’s local fish and chip shops into plates. A recent graduate of Central Saint Martins’ Material Futures master’s program, Breame calls the hyperlocal ceramics Off the Menu. The material is sourced from Angela’s […]
In Virginia, Kensing, LLC has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire amphoteric surfactants and specialty esters manufacturing assets in Hopewell, Virginia from Germany’s Evonik Corporation. The purchase price was not disclosed. Kensing a leading manufacturer of natural vitamin E, plant sterols, specialty esters and high-purity anionic surfactants. It is a portfolio company of One […]
In China, Angel Yeast, a globally listed yeast and yeast extract manufacturer, has signed an agreement with Beijing PhaBuilder Biotechnology Co., Ltd to jointly build a polyhydroxyalkanoates bioplastics plant in in Yichang, Hubei province. The 30,000-ton plant will begin construction this month and is expected to be completed in September 2023. The cost was not […]
In Prague, Pope Francis has requested young people cut down on meat to help address the climate crisis. In a letter to the EU Youth Conference, which began last week, the sustainable see called on young people to take care of our “common home” in light of climate change. “May you aspire to a life […]
