In London, industrial design studio Morrama has developed a prototype rapid test for COVID-19 that is biodegradable and recyclable. They hope the design will encourage test manufacturers to reduce the amount of plastics in at-home COVID-19 tests. Dubbed Eco-Flo, the concept test kits are made of recyclable paper pulp and reduces the wasteful leaflets and […]
In Germany, BMW has become the first OEM to use partially renewable automotive coatings produced by chemicals giant BASF. The BMW Group will use BASF Coatings’ CathoGuard® 800 ReSource e-coat at its plants in Leipzig, Germany, and Rosslyn, South Africa, as well as the iGloss® matt ReSource clearcoat throughout Europe. Switching to corrosion-protection coatings with […]
In the UK, biochemists at University of Cambridge have run a computer chip on algae for more than six months. Carried out in the home of one of the study’s authors, the “pandemic project” essentially created a biobased battery alternative that could power small electronics without rare earth elements that are already in short supply […]
In Germany, outdoor brand Doghammer has claimed the world’s first 100% vegan mountain bike shoe. Dubbed Bike Graveler, the shoe includes alternative leather, canvas, and cork. The sole is made of recycled rubber, and vegan glue is used throughout. The cork insole is removable for quick drying after a particularly sweaty or muddy session. The […]
In New York, actor James Cromwell briefly disrupted a Manhattan Starbucks by gluing his hand to the counter in protest of the popular chain’s policy of charging extra for plant-based milks. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) live-streamed the stunt, which saw Cromwell peel his hand off the counter after about 30 minutes. […]
In the United Kingdom, a cheeky public relations campaign is promoting safe sex among the over 65s by launching veggie-themed condoms in garden centers. The brainchild of ad firm Ogilvy and Relate, a relationship support charity, the condoms are made from natural rubber and biodegrade. The packaging is designed to look like seed packets, featuring […]
In France, tire giant Michelin has launched tires for motorcycling racing that contain several biobased materials, including natural rubber, oil from orange and lemon peels, pine tree resin, and sunflower oil. The tires will debut at MotoE, a European circuit event that only allows electric motorcycles and has named Michelin its sole tire supplier. Michelin […]
In North Carolina, Duke University will soon become the first collegiate field hockey program in the United States to use AstroTurf’s Poligras Tokyo GT biobased turf. Made from sugarcane, the turf will be installed at the school’s Williams Field at Jack Katz Stadium in June as part of a larger renovation project for the school’s […]
In Paris, GFBiochemicals has raised €15 million ($15.8 million) in a Series A funding round and named Mathieu Flamini, company cofounder and former professional soccer player, as its CEO. The funds will help accelerate development of biobased levulinic acid. “GFBiochemicals is tackling one of the planet’s most pressing and yet unrecognized challenges: how we make […]
In Scotland, famed whiskey distiller Macallan has launched a limited edition Fine Cacao whiskey that uses cacao pod waste for its packaging. The single-malt is the second in Macallan’s cacao-inspired collection and boasts a mellower profile than the dark, bittersweet notes of its Rich Cacao predecessor. The libation arose from a collaboration between Macallan Whiskey […]
