In Israel, cultured meat start-up Future Meat Technologies has raised $26.75 million and reduced the cost of its chicken breast to $7.50 per quarter pound. The company expects its pilot facility to start production in the first half of 2021 and is currently seeking regulatory approval in several territories. “Cultured meat technology is the Apollo […]
In Seattle, the world’s first human composting facility has begun operations, although it is unclear if it has had any “customers” yet. Dubbed Recompose, the process uses “Recomposition Vessels” to turn human remains into soil that family can collect and use in their own gardens. For $5,400, remains are covered with biomass, including wood […]
In Missouri, The National Corn Growers Association has launched its third corn innovation challenge with a call for ideas about how corn can be used to produce sustainable chemicals and products. “Corn is an affordable, abundant, sustainably grown crop that has a myriad of uses and applications, which is why we are holding our third […]
In Spain, a European Union-funded project is looking to develop economically viable products from citrus waste. The project is being led by Aitiip Centro Tecnológico. Partners include Spanish supermarket chain Eroski and AMC Innova Juice and Drinks. The first phase used the peels and pulp of citrus to manufacture a bioplastic, which the group used […]
In the Netherlands, BioBuddi has patented toy construction blocks made of biobased plastic developed in collaboration with Wageningen University. The blocks are set to launch this month and be the first of a line of toys intended to promote carbon-neutral production and biobased materials. Other toys, such as puzzles, will be available later this year. […]
In the Netherlands, DSM and Sympatex Technologies have partnered to produce a biobased thermoplastic elastomer for the sports and apparel value chain. Sympatex is a membrane manufacturer serving high-performance apparel industries. Sympatex uses Arnitel to produce waterproof, windproof, and breathable membranes for sports applications. The new Arnitel has more than 25% biobased content by weight. […]
In Maryland and New York, researchers are finding innovative ways to incorporate natural materials into construction. At the University of Maryland, researchers have made transparent wood that is harder than glass and could be used as windows. The process involves coating wood in hydrogen peroxide, leaving it under UV light, then soaking it in […]
In Iceland, a designer is turning waste animal bones and skin into vessels and meat packaging, respectively. Valdís Steinarsdóttir says the “The Just Bones” project is turning animal skin into bioplastic to be used to package that same meat for sale. She is also grinding animal bones down to powder and mixing it with a […]
In Europe, conservationists are evaluating the use of living, self-repairing glue to help lower the region’s high costs of preserving historic buildings and monuments. The bacterial paste, being researched at Bath University, may be able to regenerate ancient stone, according to the European Commission. The university has shown that injecting bacterial spores into concrete can […]
In South America, the region’s largest McDonald’s franchisee has announced it will substitute plastic trays for more sustainable materials. Arcos Dorados Holdings has contracted Israel’s UBQ Materials to provide the new material, which is made from household wastes such as food leftovers, paper, cardboard, and mixed plastics. Initially, over 7,000 trays will be introduced in […]
