Category: Chemicals & Materials

Tomatoes join growing list of vegan leather feedstocks

Tomatoes join growing list of vegan leather feedstocks

August 28, 2023 |

In Mumbai, India, a startup called Bioleather has launched a new vegan leather made from tomato skin. The company uses a patented process that extracts lycopene from the peels. The lycopene is then mixed with cotton, organic material from the tomato and its plant, and an unnamed biopolymer to produce the “flexible, durable, and ecological” […]

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India’s FOReT creates bags from banana tree bark

India’s FOReT creates bags from banana tree bark

August 28, 2023 |

In India, fashion brand FOReT has launched a collection of biodegradable bags made from banana bark. Using a unique crochet method, the label has created clutches, slings, waist-belt bags and a “dramatic” purse with chains and tassels called Mystic Cascade. The bags are produced by extracting fibers from banana tree bark and forming twine. Removal […]

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Cyclon introduces plant-based lubes and cleaners for bikes

Cyclon introduces plant-based lubes and cleaners for bikes

August 28, 2023 |

In the Netherlands, Cyclon has launched a new bike lubricant and cleaner line that is 100% plant based. Dubbed The Cycle Division, the line includes wax chain lube made from canola oil and is proven to last longer than petrochemically based oils. Cycling Industry noted that the lube also demonstrates greater performance, with lower friction […]

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MadeRight raises $2 million to advance fungi packaging

MadeRight raises $2 million to advance fungi packaging

August 28, 2023 |

In Israel, startup MadeRight has raised $2 million in seed funding to drive biodegradable packaging made from fungi. Founded in 2022, MadeRight is using fermentation to cultivate fungi grown on organic industrial waste such as wood chips to produce biodegradable packaging materials. When mixed with bioplastics, the material can be pelletized and used within existing […]

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Pureture joins herd seeking plant-based dairy protein

Pureture joins herd seeking plant-based dairy protein

August 28, 2023 |

In New York, biotech firm Pureture has developed plant-based casein and aims to further formulate vegan dairy products from plant-based ingredients. Casein is a milk protein that prevents fat and water from separating. Pureture’s plant-based casein can be used to produce cheese, milk and yogurt free from animal-derived ingredients. “At Pureture, we’re laser focused on […]

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Jellatech raises $3.5 million for bio-identical collagen

Jellatech raises $3.5 million for bio-identical collagen

August 28, 2023 |

In North Carolina, biotechnology company Jellatech has announced an oversubscribed, $3.5-million seed round as it looks to scale production of bio-identical human, bovine, and porcine collagens from animal-free sources. Such proteins have applications in healthcare, personal care, biomedical research, and the food and beverage industries. “We are very excited to bring in new and existing […]

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Sustainable furfriends: MewCULT Food Science and Umami Bioworks unveil cultivated cat treat

Sustainable furfriends: MewCULT Food Science and Umami Bioworks unveil cultivated cat treat

August 28, 2023 |

In Toronto, cellular ag firm CULT Food Science Corp. and Umami Bioworks, a cultivated seafood company based in Singapore, have unveiled a hybrid cell-cultivated pet food brand for cats. Dubbed Marina Cat™, the brand’s first product is a cat treat that includes cultivated snapper produced by Umami Bioworks. The result is a high protein, low […]

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Saucony releases sneaker made from corn and natural rubber

Saucony releases sneaker made from corn and natural rubber

August 28, 2023 |

In Massachusetts, sneaker brand Saucony has introduced a new running shoe that features multiple renewable materials throughout its design. The Triumph Run for Good sneaker uses 55% corn-based PWRRUN BIO+ for its midsole and sock liner, plant-based dyes, and 80% natural rubber for the sole.  The sneakers will be available beginning September 5th for $160. […]

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From butt to bloom: Design student embeds seeds in toilet paper

From butt to bloom: Design student embeds seeds in toilet paper

August 21, 2023 |

In Israel, industrial design student Avia Revivi has created toilet paper infused with seeds after a hiking trip left her contemplating the environmental impact of what she left behind. Dubbed O-SOW, the concept leverages swift decomposition of organic elements and the presence of active E. coli bacteria found in human waste to create TP that […]

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Amyris Shutters Clean Beauty Retailer Onda Beauty

Amyris Shutters Clean Beauty Retailer Onda Beauty

August 21, 2023 |

In California, Amyris, a renewable chemicals and consumer goods firm that recently declared bankruptcy, has closed its Onda Beauty brand. According to Beauty Matter, Onda Beauty was launched in 2014 by Larissa Thompson, Sarah Bryden-Brown, and actress Naomi Watts. Onda Beauty was subsequently acquired by Amyris in April 2022 amid a buying spree of consumer-focused brands.

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