In Japan, DIC Corporation has signed a joint research pact with California’s Debut Biotechnology targeting natural pigments for food colorants and cosmetics. Debut’s continuous, cell-free biomanufacturing technology overcomes the limitations of natural pigments extraction, which includes low yields, excessive waste generation, exposure to fluctuating weather patterns, and high land and water use. “DIC hopes to […]
In Germany, a children’s book is explaining the benefits of cellular agriculture in the hopes that future generations will eschew resource-intensive animal farming in favor of sustainable, slaughter free alternatives like lab-grown meat. Named Where do Hot Dogs Come From, the book details a family gathering that turns into a teaching moment. Authors Alex Shirazi […]
In the United Kingdom, designer Sebastian Cox has created pendant lamps made by growing fomes fomentariu mushrooms in funnels. Dubbed Mycelium + Timber, the lamps were developed in partnership with researcher Ninela Ivanova. Willow wood from Cox’s own property provided a base for the fungus to grow. “It’s not just about the fungus, it’s about […]
In Mexico, tequila giant Jose Cuervo wants you to make a good decision for the planet even if you make bad decisions after ordering one too many margaritas. To help celebrate National Tequila Day on July 24, the party purveyor is giving away packs of agave-based straws. Interested parties and partiers can send their names […]
In Colorado, Crocs, Inc., best known for popularizing comfy foam clogs, is working on using more bio-based material as part of its commitment to be net zero by 2030. The brand says the move is in line with its ethos that “everyone should be comfortable in their own shoes,” because addressing climate change will help […]
In London, the creators of a vegan leather made from pineapple leaf fibers have partnered with Dole Sunshine Company to help expand production. Ananas Anam, creators of Piñatex vegan leather, says using fiber from pineapple plants used by Dole will allow it to access a much larger amount of feedstock for its Philippines-based production. […]
In the United Kingdom, bio-bean Ltd. has launched a new material based on spent coffee grounds that it says could be used to replace virgin materials in a number of applications. Dubbed Inficaf, bio-bean collects and processes over 7,000 metric tons of spent coffee grounds annually. The process involves drying spent grounds before sieving and […]
In California, makeup brand Youthforia is solving one of the biggest problems associated with cosmetics: forgetting to wash it off, resulting in days of oily or dry skin. To address this, Fiona Co Chan founded the company during the pandemic. The company’s products have been certified 98% biobased by the US Department of Agriculture BioPreferred […]
In Finland, forest products maker Stora Enso says its pilot plant for lignin-based battery materials is now online. Dubbed Lignode, the material is a wood-based carbon that could be used in electric vehicles, consumer electronics, and large-scale energy storage systems. The global battery market is set to grow ten-fold over the next decade. “With our […]
In California, vegan cheese startup Nobell Foods has raised $75 million to tackle perhaps one of the biggest hurdles to adopting a vegan diet: creating a stretchy alternative to cheese. The key to gooey, cheesy goodness lies in casein, a protein found in dairy products that provides that super satisfying stretch when you separate a […]
