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 […]
In Seattle, high-end department store Nordstrom has partnered with sustainable sneaker pioneer Allbirds in a bid to appeal to a younger, more sustainably-minded demographic. Allbirds shoes are made from renewable materials like wool and plant-based leathers. Nordstrom aims to have 15% of its sales come from “Sustainable Style” by 2025. Under the terms of the […]
In the Netherlands, furniture and homegoods giant IKEA has vowed to make a minimum of 20% of its mattress materials recycled or renewable by 2025. With this initiative, IKEA aims to reduce foam ending up in landfill, decrease pollution, and drive the industry agenda to develop foam solutions centered around recycled materials. “Since 2015 IKEA […]
In Florida, a materials startup is killing two birds with one stone by turning invasive fish species lionfish into a sustainable alternative to cow leather. Dubbed INVERSA, founders Aarav Chavda and Roland Salantino and CMO Deepika Nagarajan say the luxury-quality leather alternative actually restores ocean biodiversity because lionfish are a harmful species with no natural predators in […]
