In Germany, a startup is using waste hops from the country’s world-renown beer-brewing industry to produce materials for construction. Called HopfON—so named because of Hopfen, the German word for hops—the company was the brainchild of two Technical University of Munich students. The company uses the leaves and vines from hops cultivation in Germany’s Hallertau region. […]
In Pakistan, a team of researchers at National Textile University has pioneered the creation of flame-retardant biobased hydrogel composites utilizing hemp and wool nonwoven fabrics, enhanced with chitosan and banana sap. The work, published recently in Scientific Reports, addresses the environmental concerns associated with traditional flame retardants, which often contain toxic chemicals. The researchers explored […]
In the Netherlands, DSM-Firmenich AG has finalized the sale of its yeast extracts business to Lesaffre, a leading global player in fermentation and microorganisms based in Lille, France. The yeast extracts business, part of DSM-Firmenich’s taste, texture, and health unit, generates approximately €120 million (US$131.7 million) in annual sales. This divestment aligns with the DSM-Firmenich’s […]
In Tahiti, designer Christopher Bellamy has created three items—a drum, swimsuit, and ornamental neckpiece—out of bioluminescent algae in a research project dubbed “Lucid Life.” The objects glow in response to touch or movement, allowing users to feel more connected with the natural world. Bellamy told design publication dezeen he was inspired by Mo’orea, which is […]
In London, Studio Arp has unveiled its innovative “Citrus Sinensis” project, which features a leather-like material crafted from repurposed orange peels. Conceived by interdisciplinary designer Alkesh Parmar, the project highlights sustainable materials that blend traditional craftsmanship with low-tech processes. Citrus Sinensis includes pendant lamps and various artworks that reflect themes of migration and decentralized design. […]
In India, a sugar manufacturer building its first polylactic acid bioplastics plant in Kolkata expects to make about ₹1,800 crore ($19.7 million) in annual revenue from its new business. Balrampur Chini Mills Executive Director Avantika Saraogi told CNBC News the investment would put the company at more than 50% mix of green products by fiscal […]
In California, Origin Materials is cutting its workforce by 28% and focusing its commercial activities on its polyethylene terephthalate caps business. John Bissell, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Origin Materials, said the move it to proactively reallocate resources. “Our first caps customer has signed an [memorandum of understanding] for billions of caps, totaling over $100 million […]
In Finland, Kemira and IFF have completed construction of a “market-entry scale” industrial biobased polymer plant. The unit is capable of producing unique renewable polymers for Kemira’s customers and is based on the patented Designed Enzymatic Biomaterial platform technology developed by IFF. The unit will be operated by Chemigate, a member of the Berner Group, […]
In Ontario, natural ingredients producer Jungbunzlauer has broken ground on a $200-million natural xantham gum production facility at Port Colborne. The Phase 1 expansion is expected to be operational from Spring 2026 and produce readily biodegradable xanthan gum, a thickening agent with a wide range of culinary, cosmetic and pharmaceutical uses. The multi-year project is […]
In Estonia, foodtech startup Äio has closed a €6.1 million ($6.8 million) funding round to build a demonstration-scale, fermentation-based production unit converting crop and wood waste into palm oil and animal fats. Investors included Voima Ventures, 2C Ventures, Nordic Foodtech VC, and SmartCap Green Fund. “Providing sustainable alternatives to products such as palm oil or […]
