Category: Chemicals & Materials

Lab-grown crab didn’t leave taste testers crabby

Lab-grown crab didn’t leave taste testers crabby

August 30, 2021 |

In Singapore, cultivated meat startup Shiok Meats recently held a tasting event for what it claims is the world’s first cell-based crab meat.  At an August 26th tasting event, samples were available for crab cakes and chili crab, with crab meat grown in a lab from cells extracted from crustacean shells.  The dishes were conceived […]

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Oprah-backed biotech raises $250 million

Oprah-backed biotech raises $250 million

August 23, 2021 |

In California, a company that boasts A-listers Oprah and Katy Perry among its investors has raised $250 million to advance its plant-based, shelf-life-extending produce coatings.  Apeel Sciences recently closed the Series E round, which brought its total funding to over $635 million and values the company at over $2 billion. The company’s Invisipeel is a […]

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Every little bit helps: Bakeries look to swap out plastic bread clips

Every little bit helps: Bakeries look to swap out plastic bread clips

August 23, 2021 |

In New Zealand, two bakeries have announced plans to eliminate plastic bread clips—the ubiquitous doohickeys used to better seal bread packaging and keep loaves fresh—and replace them with a cardboard alternative.  While bread clips are pretty small, the size of the bakeries making the switch adds up to a fairly significant figure in terms of […]

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Stella McCartney introduces sustainable sneaker

Stella McCartney introduces sustainable sneaker

August 23, 2021 |

In London, sustainability-focused fashion house Stella McCartney has created a version of its Eclypse sneaker made entirely from plant-based or recycled materials.  Dubbed Reclypse, the sneaker features a recycled polyester upper, vegan leather panels, lining made from recycled nylon and post-consumer waste, and plant-based soles. The shoes are hand-made in Italy and will be available […]

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LG Chem plans $2.2 billion green materials complex

LG Chem plans $2.2 billion green materials complex

August 23, 2021 |

In South Korea, LG Chem is investing ₩2.6 trillion ($2.2 billion) to build an eco-friendly materials production complex, including manufacturing using biobased raw materials.  The facility at Seosan will include 10 production plants, all set to come online by 2028. Products will include poly butylene adipate-co-terephthalate, a material that breaks down in nature via oxygen, […]

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Coffee cookie cups are now available for sustainability-minded soccer fans

Coffee cookie cups are now available for sustainability-minded soccer fans

August 23, 2021 |

In the United Kingdom, fans at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium can cut down on waste while simultaneously addressing their caffeine and sugar cravings.  The stadium, which is host to Premier League’s Manchester United, will begin selling coffee and other hot beverages in cups made out of cookies, beginning this weekend. The cups are made by […]

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The North Face taps Spinnova for wood-based textiles

The North Face taps Spinnova for wood-based textiles

August 23, 2021 |

In Finland, renewable textile firm Spinnova has partnered with The North Face to improve the sustainability profile of outdoor apparel. Spinnova’s fiber is made from wood pulp and boasts lower water and carbon dioxide emissions than other renewable and synthetic textile materials.  “It’s our over-arching goal to build more circular products, constantly develop innovative materials […]

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From pruning to plate: Indian startup uses apple orchard waste to make single-use tableware

From pruning to plate: Indian startup uses apple orchard waste to make single-use tableware

August 23, 2021 |

In Himachal, India, a startup is using apple orchard waste to manufacturing biodegradable, single-use tableware such as plates, forks, and knives.  Specifically, Himjoy Enterprises is using the tons of twigs and branches that come from pruning apple trees to maintain the orchard’s health and productivity. The business was cofounded by Bhanu Uday Singh Kanwar and […]

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Lab-grown chocolate stirs up interest

Lab-grown chocolate stirs up interest

August 23, 2021 |

In Germany, a startup is developing no-cocoa chocolate in an effort to address the climate and child-labor concerns surrounding the cocoa industry. QOA, which recently joined the Y Combinator technology accelerator, is using precision fermentation to produce ingredients that together resemble the flavor or cocoa.  “Pretty much every food has a fingerprint, like a human […]

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Latest end-of-life option: Become a big bath bomb

Latest end-of-life option: Become a big bath bomb

August 16, 2021 |

In Texas, a mortician/TikTok star has gone viral with a new offering for the deceased: the option to become a big “bath bomb” for burial at sea.  Mortician Lupi demonstrated the concept, which is essentially a fast-dissolving urn made from salt that the bereaved can toss into the sea. The quirky funeral option has the […]

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