Category: Chemicals & Materials

Robert Downey Jr.-backed cooking oil company launches online sales

Robert Downey Jr.-backed cooking oil company launches online sales

August 1, 2022 |

In California, a fermentation-based cooking oil startup backed by Robert Downey Jr. and co-founded by metabolic engineering pioneer Jay Keasling, has put its first product for sale on its website.  Zero Acre Farms’ oil—which the company claims is “sky-high” in healthy fats, low in bad fats, gluten-free, GMO-free, and deforestation-free—is available for $29.99 per bottle.  […]

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Gucci and adidas streetwear collab touts biobased materials

Gucci and adidas streetwear collab touts biobased materials

August 1, 2022 |

In Italy and Germany, luxury fashion house Gucci and sneaker giant adidas have partnered to create a colorful streetwear line that emphasizes sustainable components.  Dubbed Gazelle, the designs include “sustainable, renewable, and bio-based” materials,” although more specifics other than cotton were not included. Sneakers from the collection will set you back $850, although the hats […]

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Time is right: Casio launches biobased watch for mountain climbing

Time is right: Casio launches biobased watch for mountain climbing

August 1, 2022 |

In New Jersey, watchmaker Casio has expanded its biomass-based watch collection with three new watches. Incorporating raw materials from castor beans and corn, the Pro Trek Biomass Collection includes the PRG340 Climber series designed for mountain climbing, trekking, and other outdoor activities.  According to Casio, the series’ bezels, which are more prone to impact than […]

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Designer turns chippy waste into ceramics

Designer turns chippy waste into ceramics

August 1, 2022 |

In Margate, UK, designer Carly Breame has converted the leftover fish bones, potato peels and oyster shells from one of the seaside town’s local fish and chip shops into plates.  A recent graduate of Central Saint Martins’ Material Futures master’s program, Breame calls the hyperlocal ceramics Off the Menu. The material is sourced from Angela’s […]

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Evonik sells surfactants site to Kensing

Evonik sells surfactants site to Kensing

August 1, 2022 |

In Virginia, Kensing, LLC has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire amphoteric surfactants and specialty esters manufacturing assets in Hopewell, Virginia from Germany’s Evonik Corporation. The purchase price was not disclosed.  Kensing a leading manufacturer of natural vitamin E, plant sterols, specialty esters and high-purity anionic surfactants. It is a portfolio company of One […]

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Chinese firms plan Hubei PHA plant

Chinese firms plan Hubei PHA plant

August 1, 2022 |

In China, Angel Yeast, a globally listed yeast and yeast extract manufacturer, has signed an agreement with Beijing PhaBuilder Biotechnology Co., Ltd to jointly build a polyhydroxyalkanoates bioplastics plant in in Yichang, Hubei province.  The 30,000-ton plant will begin construction this month and is expected to be completed in September 2023. The cost was not […]

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Pope asks youth to cut down on meat

Pope asks youth to cut down on meat

July 25, 2022 |

In Prague, Pope Francis has requested young people cut down on meat to help address the climate crisis. In a letter to the EU Youth Conference, which began last week, the sustainable see called on young people to take care of our “common home” in light of climate change.  “May you aspire to a life […]

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Streetwear brand launches sneakers made from cork and reject adult toys

Streetwear brand launches sneakers made from cork and reject adult toys

July 25, 2022 |

In Los Angeles, trendy clothing brand Rose in Good Faith has launched a line of sneakers made from cork, cotton liner, ethylene vinyl acetate, and plastic sourced from defective sex toys.  Dubbed Plastic Soul, the idea came after Rose in Good Faith founder David Teitelbaum visited sex toy maker Doc Johnson’s factory and saw that […]

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Cardboard pregnancy test targets greener gestation 

Cardboard pregnancy test targets greener gestation 

July 25, 2022 |

In the United Kingdom, an entrepreneur has launched a 99% paper pregnancy test that can be recycled with the rest of your cardboard boxes and papers.  Dubbed Hoopsy, the test is the creation of Lara Solomon, who was concerned by the amount of plastic waste generated by her own infertility journey. According to Women’s Health […]

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Designers consider a future where homes are grown, not built

Designers consider a future where homes are grown, not built

July 25, 2022 |

In Israel, a group of designers have created an exhibit showcasing structures made by 3D-printing soil and seeds.  Dubbed “To Grow a Building” and presented at Jerusalem Design Week 2022, the budding buildings are made by a custom robotic arm. As the roots set the walls, the seeds sprout on the outside to create an […]

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