In Germany, researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute have developed a buoyant wood foam from balsa salvaged from out-of-commission wind turbines that can be used to produce paddle boards and surfboards. The project is known as ecoSUP. Balsa wood from nonoperational wind turbines is often burned. “In the interests of environmental protection and resource conservation, […]
In Georgia, polyhydroxyalkanoates bioplastics company Danimer Scientific has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Novomer, Inc., a New York-based producer of polymers and chemicals, including PHA poly(3-hydroxypropionate). The transaction is valued at $152 million. Both boards have approved the deal. Danimer says Novomer’s p(3HP) is “highly complementary” to Danimer’s products and can be incorporated as […]
In San Francisco, industrial biotechnology startup Bota Bio has raised $100 million in an oversubscribed Series B financing. Founded in 2019, Bota Bio has developed its Bota Freeway platform to integrate “advanced digital tools” with lab automation. “Most traditional manufacturing comes with a high environmental cost. We are building Bota Bio to innovate solutions that […]
In Japan, DIC Corporation has signed a joint research pact with California’s Debut Biotechnology targeting natural pigments for food colorants and cosmetics. Debut’s continuous, cell-free biomanufacturing technology overcomes the limitations of natural pigments extraction, which includes low yields, excessive waste generation, exposure to fluctuating weather patterns, and high land and water use. “DIC hopes to […]
In Germany, a children’s book is explaining the benefits of cellular agriculture in the hopes that future generations will eschew resource-intensive animal farming in favor of sustainable, slaughter free alternatives like lab-grown meat. Named Where do Hot Dogs Come From, the book details a family gathering that turns into a teaching moment. Authors Alex Shirazi […]
In the United Kingdom, designer Sebastian Cox has created pendant lamps made by growing fomes fomentariu mushrooms in funnels. Dubbed Mycelium + Timber, the lamps were developed in partnership with researcher Ninela Ivanova. Willow wood from Cox’s own property provided a base for the fungus to grow. “It’s not just about the fungus, it’s about […]
In Mexico, tequila giant Jose Cuervo wants you to make a good decision for the planet even if you make bad decisions after ordering one too many margaritas. To help celebrate National Tequila Day on July 24, the party purveyor is giving away packs of agave-based straws. Interested parties and partiers can send their names […]
In Colorado, Crocs, Inc., best known for popularizing comfy foam clogs, is working on using more bio-based material as part of its commitment to be net zero by 2030. The brand says the move is in line with its ethos that “everyone should be comfortable in their own shoes,” because addressing climate change will help […]
In London, the creators of a vegan leather made from pineapple leaf fibers have partnered with Dole Sunshine Company to help expand production. Ananas Anam, creators of Piñatex vegan leather, says using fiber from pineapple plants used by Dole will allow it to access a much larger amount of feedstock for its Philippines-based production. […]
In the United Kingdom, bio-bean Ltd. has launched a new material based on spent coffee grounds that it says could be used to replace virgin materials in a number of applications. Dubbed Inficaf, bio-bean collects and processes over 7,000 metric tons of spent coffee grounds annually. The process involves drying spent grounds before sieving and […]
