In California, several celebrities have signed on for a $37-milllion, Series A funding for Zero Acre Farms, a company developing vegetable oils produced by fermentation. The company hopes its technology could end deforestation and harmful health impacts linked to global demand for vegetable oils such as soybean, sunflower, canola, and palm oil. The oversubscribed funding […]
In France, a company is using 3D printing and biobased materials to bring the surf community a more sustainable experience. Wyve, based in the Basque beach area, is replacing the polystyrene and EPS foam “blanks” that make traditional surfboards buoyant with inner hexagons that trap air. The structure is 3D printed using polylactic acid bioplastic […]
In Sweden, electric car manufacturer Polestar has tapped artist Thijs Biersteker and his Woven Studio design group to showcase the strength and durability of biobased materials. For the project, Biersteker created an interactive sculpture named “We Harvest Wind” that was inspired by Polestar’s Life Cycle Assessment report. The work features a spherical shape suspended […]
In China, a biobased polycarbonate copolymer produced by Saudi Arabia’s SABIC is being used in smartphones sold by emerging consumer electronics maker realme. Dubbed Elcrin EXL 7414 PC, the material is over 50% biobased content from waste materials that do not compete with the food chain according to the mass balance approach. A preliminary SABIC […]
In Japan, Kaneka has announced plans to triple production capacity for its biodegradable poly 3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate (PHBH) polymer. The company expects to spend about ¥15 billion (US$130 million) to add 15,000 tons of annual capacity by 2024. The company already has capacity for 5,000 tons a year. The biopolymer—sold under the brand Green Planet—is produced from […]
In Switzerland, chemical company Clariant has launched a range of 100% biobased surfactants and polyethylene glycols. Dubbed Vita, the ingredients were developed for formulators looking to boost natural content of detergents, hair and body shampoos, paints, industrial lubricants, and crop formulations. “From the packaging to the many ingredients, a typical consumer product in coatings, personal […]
In Finland, tire company Nokian has released a concept tire made with 93% sustainable materials. Dubbed Green Step, all the rubber used in the tire is of natural origin, as are almost all the plasticizers, resins, and processing aids. Natural rice husk ash silica is used as the main filler for the tread and sidewall, […]
In Wisconsin, bologna baron Oscar Mayer has introduced a face mask meant to physically resemble the mortadella mainstay of middle school sandwiches, while moisturizing your skin with wholesome, natural ingredients like witch hazel, seaweed, and collagen. The masks are not edible, but do invoke nostalgia with red and yellow packaging synonymous with Oscar Mayer bologna. […]
In California, novelty sandal brand Sanuk has introduced three new styles that incorporate biobased and recycled materials and target fans of the Grateful Dead. Dubbed SustainaSole™ SANUK x GRATEFUL DEAD, the footwear feature the iconic Steal Your Face Grateful Dead album art, red and blue stitching, and tie-dye design elements. Biobased content includes jute […]
In the UK, a local city council is installing traffic-control pillars made out of a plant-based biopolymer. Commonly called bollards, such obstructions are meant to protect pedestrians from contact with vehicles—be it unintentional or otherwise—in high traffic areas. According to Hampshire County Council, the biobased bollards are lower weight—and thus easier and cheaper to install—than […]
