In Finland, UPM Biochemicals and Selenis have partnered to produce partially biobased polyethylene terephthalate glycol resin, a highly transparent, FDA-approved bioplastic for applications in cosmetics and personal care packaging, heat shrink sleeves, and durable goods. Under the terms of the agreement, UPM will supply Selenis with biobased mono-ethylene glycol to produce partial BioPETG. Trade-named UPM […]
In Seattle, outdoor gear and apparel brand REI Co-op has released its first running shoe in more than 40 years. According to a press statement, all major components of the Swiftland MT are designed with carbon-reduced technology and use recycled or biobased materials. Renewable elements include a 10% Bloom Algae TerraLoft™ RUN compound in midsole […]
In California, the Digest announced that the Advanced Bioeconomy Leadership Conference on Next-Gen Projects & Technologies, ABLC NEXT 2023, will take place at the Hotel Nikko in San Francisco, October 18-20, 2023, as the industry undertakes more Networking for Net Zero. More than 600 delegates and 100 speakers are expected from more than 400 companies […]
In London, Prince William recently toured an East London facility operated by bioplastic firm Notpla, which won his Earthshot competition in 2022. During the tour, the prince called the seaweed-based plastic maker’s progress since winning the £1 million award late last year “breathtaking,” reports UK paper The Standard. The newly titled Prince of Wales launched […]
In the United Kingdom, designer/photographer Zena Holloway has created a wedding dress out of wheatgrass root and is showcasing the garment at the Chelsea flower show in London. Holloway told The Guardian she was inspired to pursue sustainable design after witnessing the impact of plastics pollution while photographing the ocean. “I saw the growing amount […]
In Korea, Hyundai has showcased a 3D printed, 10-meter tall bioplastic tree that performs photosynthesis. Dubbed Tree One, the sculpture was manufactured by design studio EcoLogicStudio and exhibited at the automaker’s Busan and Seoul facilities. The sculpture employs an EcoLogicStudio-developed biopolymer made from algae biomass; chitin derived from mycelium, mushrooms or crustacean shells; agar derived […]
In Michigan, chemicals major Dow has secured biobased ethylene supply from New Energy Blue for production of renewable polyethylene. The PE will be used in applications such as transportation, footwear, and packaging. New Energy Blue’s ethylene is produced from corn crop waste, including stalks and leaves, and has a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to […]
In Ontario, researchers with the wasteCANcreate program are looking to turn starchy food waste—including potato peels and corn stalks—into nylon for everyday items like yoga pants. Led by Ontario Genomics, the project is a collaborative effort by a consortium of businesses and institutions, including University of Toronto, University of Waterloo and Carleton University, to produce […]
In China, lactic acid producer Jindan New Biomaterials has licensed Sulzer’s polylactic acid process for a planned 75,000 metric tons PLA bioplastics plant in the Henan Province. The bioplastics will be used in food packaging, molded goods and textile fibers production. Sulzer will also provide “extensive service support” to ensure a seamless start. Financial terms […]
In South Korea, CJ Biomaterials has partnered with Dongil Platech to develop a new eco-friendly straw made from polylactic acid and CJ Biomaterials’ PHACT amorphous polyhydroxyalkanoate biopolymer. By combining PLA and aPHA—a softer, more rubbery version of PHA—the two companies can produce a material with higher-performing properties and a faster rate of biodegradation. “We expect […]
