In New Jersey, Modern Meadow has sold its beauty and biomedical divisions to HTL Biotechnology for an undisclosed sum. Modern Meadow cited a strategic shift to focus solely on biomaterials as reason for the sale. “Our decision to focus on our bio-materials business will drive both our research and commercial efforts in this sector and […]
In Germany, chemicals giant BASF has joined FUMBIO, a joint research project that aims to leverage bacterium isolated from the rumen of a Holstein cow and CO2 from chemical plant offgas to produce a key building block chemical. First isolated in 2008, Basfia succiniciproducens will be genetically modified by researchers so that it produces large […]
In Tennessee, Trillium Renewable Chemicals has chosen the INEOS Green Lake site, located in Port Lavaca, Texas, for its first demonstration-scale plant to produce biobased acrylonitrile. The process, which uses glycerol as feedstock, has already been tested at pilot scale. Acrylonitrile is a key raw material in numerous industries, including toys, auto parts, aerospace components, […]
In the United Kingdom, discount supermarket chain Aldi has launched paper-based wine bottles for its store-brand vino. Manufactured by FrugalPac, the “Frugal Bottles” are five times lighter than glass wine bottles. Packaging Gateway reports that the bottles are comprised of 94% recycled paperboard and a food-grade pouch. Frugal Bottles are also 100% recyclable. While glass […]
In India, Godavari Biorefineries has begun operations at a new biobased specialty chemicals plant at Sakarwadi, Maharashtra. The Somaiya Group subsidiary says the new plant will produce renewable chemicals such as butanol, ethers, and esters. These products are used in coatings, resins, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food, and fragrances. CEO Sangeeta Srivastava said the new plant will […]
In the United Kingdom, adventurer Sir David Hempleman-Adams is planning a trans-Atlantic hydrogen open gasket balloon journey to, among other things, collect microbes with potential applications in new medicines, biofuels, bioplastics, and agritech. “Most aeroplanes are all pretty high up in the 30,000 ft (9,144 m) range,” Sir Hempleman-Adams told BBC Wiltshire. “We’ll be flying […]
In Switzerland, QWSTION, a fashion label and producer of the banana fiber fabric Bananatex®, has partnered with luxury fashion brand Balenciaga to launch sneakers made from the material. The banana-based sneakers will be a biobased version of Balenciaga’s popular Triple S design and available in black and beige. “The launch of the iconic Triple S […]
In London, designer Gisung Han has created a biodegradable, potato-based plastic stool infused with wildflower seeds. Dubbed Blooming Decay Stool tells designboom the concept would be ideal campsites or music festivals. “I thought about scenarios where it would be acceptable to use a chair for a limited time,” he said. “The Glastonbury Festival came to […]
In North Carolina, the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein has launched at North Carolina State University with a mandate to become a biomanufacturing hub for environmentally friendly and affordable dietary proteins. The facility will receive $30 million from the Bezos Earth Fund over five years. The funding comes from $100 million committed by the organization […]
In Australia, researchers at The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology have developed a stronger and more environmentally friendly concrete using with waste coffee grounds. Concrete is a ubiquitous but also environmentally harmful material. By converting coffee grounds to biochar, the team was able to reduce carbon emissions and create a concrete 30% stronger. The RMIT […]
