In Switzerland, specialty chemical company Archroma has unveiled a biobased, durable water repellent finish for outerwear and apparel fabrics that delivers rain and stain protection with a soft and comfortable feel. Dubbed PHOBOTEX® NTR-50 LIQ, the coating can be used on synthetic fibers and blends, making it suitable for a wide range of applications including […]
News arrived earlier this year that Geno, Unilever, Kao, and L’Oréal have named their joint venture which aims to make alternatives to petroleum and palm for surfactant ingredients used in laundry detergent and cosmetics. They’ve chosen Future Origins as the moniker. Yes, there’s a Market Says here, “USDA forecasting palm oil consumption in 2023-24 to […]
In Florida, researchers have developed a novel solution to keeping young, vulnerable coral from being eaten by predatory fish: protective cages made from bioplastic straws. Dubbed Coral Fort, the solution has boosted the survival rate of transplanted coral by a whopping 90%, allowing for the mature, established coral to support ocean life amid widespread die-offs […]
In Canada, “Hotline Bling” rapper Drake has been seen sporting pink biobased slip-on shoes designed by Kane. Founded in 2020 by former Maverik Lacrosse CEO John Gagliardi and podiatrist Dr. Daniel Geller, Kane looks to design, manufacture and sell “well-designed, biobased EVA [ethylene vinyl acetate]” shoes that support and stimulate recovery. The design sported by […]
In the United Kingdom, scientists at Cambridge University have developed biodegradable glitter made from nanocrystals of cellulose extracted from fruit waste. The sustainable sparkle solution can be used in any application that currently uses glitter, such as cosmetics and crafts, but is free of microplastics and metals that make conventional glitter bad for the environment. […]
In Japan, design studio Sozai Center has created a biobased material made by mixing leftover apple pomace—which includes apple flesh, skin, seeds and stems—with bioplastic. Dubbed Adam Sheet as a playful nod to Adam’s apples, the washable, scratch-resistant material uses apples sourced from the country’s Aomori Prefecture. Studio founder Shotaro Oshima tells design publication dezeen […]
In Japan, Spiber Inc. has completed a round of fundraising totaling over JPY 10 billion (US$65 million) to accelerate mass production of its Brewed Protein materials and facilitate global sales. Made via microbial fermentation, Spiber’s proteins can offer alternative solutions to a wide range of conventional animal-based, plant-based, and synthetic materials for various purposes, including […]
In Finland, Nordic Bioproducts Group has entered into a strategic Memorandum of Understanding with Thailand’s PTT MCC Biochem Company Limited to create new grades of bio-based polybutylene succinate. The project’s target is to produce bioplastic materials that not only boost home compostability and biodegradability, but also deliver advanced properties and performance, enabling penetration into new […]
In Marshall, Minnesota, Solugen has broken ground on a new biomanufacturing facility adjacent to an Archer Daniels Midland corn processing complex. The 500,000-square-foot Bioforge™ Marshall plant will utilize ADM-sourced dextrose to manufacture low-carbon organic acids for applications in water treatment, agriculture, energy, and home and personal care. “[The] groundbreaking represents a key milestone in our […]
In Germany, Evonik has formed a new Botanicals & Natural Actives business segment to better meet the growing demand for botanical extracts and claim-substantiated natural actives, which are supported by its recently established Skin Institute. Operating as part of Evonik’s life sciences division, Nutrition & Care, the new Botanicals & Natural Actives segment plays an […]
