Category: Chemicals & Materials

Spun-flax pavilion strong enough to comply with German building codes

Spun-flax pavilion strong enough to comply with German building codes

July 26, 2021 |

In Germany, a multidisciplinary team from the Universities of Freiburg and Stuttgart has created a load-bearing structure using robotically wound flax fiber.  The pavilion, dubbed livMatS, combines 15 components comprised of flax fiber, including a truss structure, corner reinforcements, and structural bracing. It is 100% renewable and weighs one and a half tons. A polycarbonate […]

Read More

Raymond James rates Origin Materials at ‘market perform’: cites ‘limitless market’ but looming technology validation

Raymond James rates Origin Materials at ‘market perform’: cites ‘limitless market’ but looming technology validation

July 24, 2021 |

In New York, investment advisors Raymond James initiated coverage of Origin Materials with a Market Perform rating. Renowned sector analyst Pavel Molchanov wrote that “PET resin alone is a $145 billion market, and penetration of bio-based plastics is sub-1%…bio-based plastics are an important means of decarbonizing the chemical industry. With producers as well as consumers […]

Read More

Biobased lingerie launch is a step forward for sustainable skivvies

Biobased lingerie launch is a step forward for sustainable skivvies

July 19, 2021 |

In the US, undergarment manufacturer Gelmart will soon release a bra with padding made from sugarcane. Vogue Business noted that the sustainable brassiere will be available in August and would be a major step forward for a clothing category that has been at for forefront of tackling inclusivity but has lagged in sustainability performance.  “There’s […]

Read More

Slam Dunk: Plant-based firm secures stadium naming rights

Slam Dunk: Plant-based firm secures stadium naming rights

July 19, 2021 |

In Phoenix, plant-based fiber firm Footprint has reached a naming rights deal for the city’s basketball arena. The stadium is home to both the Phoenix Suns and the Phoenix Mercury and seats 18,000.  Financial terms were not disclosed, but the Footprint Center will increase the use of biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable products in its concessions.  […]

Read More

Rock band partners on vegan makeup set

Rock band partners on vegan makeup set

July 19, 2021 |

In the US, rock band My Chemical Romance has partnered for a second makeup line with vegan cosmetics maker HipDot.  Inspired by the band’s 2010 album, Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys, the set includes eyeliner, primer, and lip gloss. The individual products are named after the band’s stage monikers Party Poison, […]

Read More

BMW invests in vegan leather firm

BMW invests in vegan leather firm

July 19, 2021 |

In Illinois, plant-based leather alternative firm Natural Fiber Welding has received an unspecified investment from BMW i Ventures, the investment arm of BMW.  Dubbed Mirium, Natural Fiber Welding’s material has a carbon footprint 40 times lower than animal leather and 17 times less than polyurethane leather alternatives. BMW has begun using vegan leather in certain […]

Read More

Faux foie gras firm to expand into other poultry products

Faux foie gras firm to expand into other poultry products

July 19, 2021 |

In France, cultured foie gras startup Gourmey has raised $10 million and announced plans to expand into cultured poultries, including duck, chicken and turkey.  The funding was led by Point Nine and Air Street Capital. Heartcore, Partech Bpifrance, and the European Commission also participated.  “Poultry is the most consumed and fastest growing meat on the […]

Read More

Food giant Nestlé signs cultured meat exploration pact

Food giant Nestlé signs cultured meat exploration pact

July 19, 2021 |

In Switzerland, leading food company Nestlé has announced a partnership with Israeli startup Future Meat to evaluate how cultured meat can be incorporated into Nestlé products.  Nestlé says the investment complements its work in alternative proteins, like vegan meats and pea-based dairy milk.  “We have been investing in our protein expertise and the development of […]

Read More

Danish designer repurposes Michelin-star crustacean waste into ceramics

Danish designer repurposes Michelin-star crustacean waste into ceramics

July 19, 2021 |

In Copenhagen, Natural Material Studio has unveiled conceptual ceramics that incorporate pulverized shells sourced from Denmark’s top restaurant.  The studio, founded by Bonnie Hvillum, paired with Michelin-star eatery Noma and ceramicist Eben Kaldahl to create the  crockery, dubbed Shellware.   “I was curious to work with seafood shells and explore the possibilities, and also how […]

Read More

Boots on the ground: Japanese brand makes shoe out of coffee waste

Boots on the ground: Japanese brand makes shoe out of coffee waste

July 19, 2021 |

In Japan, footwear brand CCILU has unveiled a new boot made out of used coffee grounds. Dubbed XpreSole Panto, the boot’s outsole is made of a vegan leather that is 30% coffee ground waste and 70% EVA and the insole is made from yarn also made from used coffee grounds. Weighing a third of the […]

Read More