Category: Chemicals & Materials

Lenny Kravitz wants to share “love” and “a healthy mouth” via plant-based oral health products

Lenny Kravitz wants to share “love” and “a healthy mouth” via plant-based oral health products

April 4, 2022 |

In New York, a plant-based toothpaste company that counts Grammy-winning rocker Lenny Kravitz as its chief creative officer has expanded into offering mouthwash, whitening pens, floss, and toothbrushes.  Twice aims to donate 10% of its profits to Glo Good Foundation, which provides free dental care in underserved regions, once it becomes profitable.  The foundation is […]

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DOE supports Bridgestone’s tireless efforts in guayule-based rubber

DOE supports Bridgestone’s tireless efforts in guayule-based rubber

April 4, 2022 |

In Arizona, leading tire manufacturer Bridgestone has been awarded a Department of Energy Joint  Genome Institute grant to advance development of natural rubber from guayule, a desert shrub.  Bridgestone is targeting 100% renewable materials by 2050 and hopes to begin commercializing guayule rubber by the end of the decade. The Japanese company has been researching […]

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DiCaprio invests in climate-focused VC fund

DiCaprio invests in climate-focused VC fund

April 4, 2022 |

In California, Leonardo DiCaprio has invested in the $45-million debut fund of Regeneration.VC, an early-stage venture capital firm focused on climate and sustainability.  Co-led by former ice cream exec Dan Fishman and DJ/real estate tycoon Michael Smith, the fund looks to fund startups developing products for the circular economy and regenerative materials. It estimates the […]

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Biobased textiles featured on the red carpet

Biobased textiles featured on the red carpet

April 4, 2022 |

In Hollywood, California, three celebrities walked the red carpet for the 94th Academy Awards in gowns made of Lenzing’s TENCEL wood-based fibers, highlighting the potential for more sustainable materials at the highest levels of fashion.  Tati Gabrielle, star of Uncharted, You, and Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, wore a custom HELLESSY off-shoulder cape gown made from […]

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Designer Tom Ford names plastics innovation prize finalists

Designer Tom Ford names plastics innovation prize finalists

April 4, 2022 |

In New York, fashion designer Tom Ford has announced the finalists for the Ocean-Safe Alternatives Competition’s Plastic Innovation Prize.  The eight finalists include three companies—Kelpi, Sway and Zerocycle—converting seaweed into bioplastics or plastic alternatives, as well as Genecis, a startup specializing in reprogramming bacteria to create reusable materials; Marea, an Icelandic start-up converting algae into […]

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Jungle on your plate: Lab-grown lion and zebra meat heads to taste tests

Jungle on your plate: Lab-grown lion and zebra meat heads to taste tests

April 4, 2022 |

Cultivated meat startup Primeval Foods is planning tasting events in New York and London for its lab-grown lion, tiger and zebra meat.  Based in the United Kingdom, the company focuses on growing exotic meats people would otherwise not get to consume. “We are currently working in the Siberian tiger, leopard, black panther, Bengal tiger, white […]

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Frito-Lay revisits compostable packaging with quieter design

Frito-Lay revisits compostable packaging with quieter design

March 28, 2022 |

In Texas, snack giant Frito-Lay has introduced 100% biobased packaging that is industrially compostable and—unlike its first foray into renewable packaging—quiet.  Developed in partnership with Printpack, the bags are made of non-food, plant-based materials with newly developed compostable inks. A QR code directs consumers on locating composting drop-off sites or how to obtain a prepaid […]

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Neiman Marcus to phase out fur, eyes plant-based alternatives

Neiman Marcus to phase out fur, eyes plant-based alternatives

March 28, 2022 |

In Texas, department store Neiman Marcus—one of the one’s largest fur sellers—is phasing out the high-end material in favor of slaughter-free alternatives. The company expects to stop selling fur entirely by March 2023.  CEO Geoffroy van Raemdonck recently told Vogue Business that Neiman Marcus’s fur operations are “a small but real part of our business […]

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Femtech startup raises cash for seaweed-based tampons

Femtech startup raises cash for seaweed-based tampons

March 28, 2022 |

In Berlin, startup Vyld has closed a pre-seed fund raise to scale up production of tampons made from seaweed.  “Algae are already used in over 70% of all processed foods due to their many beneficial features,” says Vyld founder Ines Schiller. “We want to use these amazing unique advantages for period products where they will […]

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California company claims world’s first biodegradable sneaker

California company claims world’s first biodegradable sneaker

March 28, 2022 |

In California, new sustainable footwear brand Blueview has launched what it claims to be the world’s first biodegradable shoe.  Dubbed Blueview Pacific and retailing for $135, the sneaker features Soleic renewable polyurethane foam for arch support, cupsole, and outsole and PlantKnit, the world’s first plant-based and fully biodegradable machine knitted shoe upper. A canvas strap […]

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