In Switzerland, design student Stephanie Singer has created a biodegradable grill made from mycelium and other renewable materials. Dubbed MYC, the structural elements are fireproof and actually edible—but if BBQ attendees are full from the food cooked on the grill, the entire grill biodegrades and even fertilizes the surrounding area. “MYC consists of a bowl […]
In the Netherlands, living coffins made of mycelium and moss have been so popular that the manufacturer has had to expand production. According to Living Cocoon, almost 100 people have chosen the natural coffins, which were developed by company founder Bob Hendrikx, researchers from Delft University of Technology, and the Naturalis natural history museum. The […]
In Tennessee, Eastman Chemical says its tree-based engineering bioplastics are being used in premium headphones manufactured by Ontario’s thinksound. The over-ear headphones, dubbed ov21, use Eastman’s Trēva™ engineering bioplastic that contains more than 40% biobased content derived from sustainably harvested trees. ov21 is available on preorder for shipping in October. “We’re a company that has […]
In Thailand, Braskem and SCG Chemicals are considering a joint venture to produce biobased ethylene for conversion into polyethylene plastic. Braskem already produces biobased PE at its facility in Triunfo, Brazil, which it sells under the tradename I’m greenTM. “Amidst the ever increasing demand for circular economy and sustainable solutions worldwide, we keep looking for […]
In Japan, protein fermentation firm Spiber has raised JPY 24.4 billion ($220 million) to help fund a previously announced production plant in Iowa. The financing was led by Carlyle, which holds a $91 million stake in the renewable fibers manufacturer, and also included Fidelity, Baillie Gifford and Cool Japan Fund Inc. Spiber simultaneously approved an […]
In Brazil, a vegan slip-on sneaker from Cariuma reportedly had a waitlist of over 20,000 people ahead of its September 8 launch. Available in polka dot, leopard, and zebra prints, the lifestyle kicks are made with a bamboo upper and an outsole made of sugarcane-based ethylene vinyl acetate. Cariuma is known for its sustainable branding […]
In the Netherlands, cultured meat startup Meatable has entered into a joint development deal with DSM to develop lower-cost growth media. Comprised of essential nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, sales, vitamins and growth factors, growth media is often cited as a key barrier to widespread consumption of lab-grown meat. Currently, it can account for as […]
In Berlin, a startup producing cheese without animals has raised $50 million in a Series A funding round. Formo uses precision fermentation to produce cheese with the same taste and texture as cheese from animals and at lower cost. It plans on using the funds to build a pilot plant, add staff, and accelerate commercialization. […]
In the Netherlands, Geneus Biotech is using cellular agriculture technology to “bioprint” fur that could replace the controversial mink farming industry. Dubbed Furoid, the lab-grown fur is 100% animal free. “Furoid’s intention fits in with the recent attempts by cellular food companies to create foods such as caviar, foie gras and wagyu beef that are […]
In Germany, luxury automaker BMW has said renewable materials will play a large role in its plans to cut its carbon footprint by 2030. The company says it will focus R&D on “environmentally-compatible raw materials” and will work with both startups and established suppliers to develop “pioneering” materials. “We are setting new standards for sustainable […]
