In Tokyo, Sumitomo Chemical has tapped Massachusetts-based synbio firm Conagen as a development partner for biobased p-hydroxystyrene and its polymer, poly p-hydroxystyrene. PHS is a pivotal ingredient in the production of polymers, resins, and various chemicals, while the monomer is a fundamental component for the synthesis of substances including pharmaceuticals and fragrances. The two companies […]
In Tokyo, clothing brand Yoke is using brewed protein fiber from Spiber in its Spring/Summer 2024 line, which includes denim jackets, trousers, T-shirts, and sweatshirts. Brewed Protein fibers are plant-based materials made via microbial fermentation. Spiber has been developing Brewed Protein since 2007 using synthetic biology and brought a new production facility online in Thailand […]
In California, Terphane, a specialist manufacturer of polyester films, has partnered with Origin Materials to advance the development of biobased, biaxially oriented polyethylene furanoate. The deal includes a multi-year capacity reservation pact, wherein Terphane commits to procuring renewable PEF from Origin to convert into BOPEF. Applications for the stretched biopolymer film include food and beverage […]
In Colorado, popular skater shoe Vans is hopping onto the Barbie merchandising bandwagon by launching a line of 90s-inspired, pink sneakers and accessories. Notably, the Vans x Barbie product line includes pink slide-style sandals made with 25% biobased materials. The line also includes pink platform sneakers, graphic T-shirts, overalls, and bags priced from $40-$115. Greta […]
In the UK, Prince William filmed an episode of the popular YouTube show Sorted Food to promote the winners of his Earthshot Prize. In the episode, the Prince of Wales manned a food truck that sold products from companies the prize has recognized, including the plant-based Earthshot Burger and Notpla biobased packaging. William conceived the […]
In Montluel, France, scooter company Globber has introduced a scooter with a frame made from wheat straw. The Globber Go-Up Foldable Plus Ecologic is compact and lightweight at 3.81 kg and diverts wheat straw from waste streams for use in bioplastic. The Globber Go-Up Foldable Plus Ecologic is designed for tool-less assembly and includes adjustable […]
In Kerala, India two brothers have launched a startup to commercialize tableware from rice farming waste. Rishabh and Rohan Suri were inspired to found Qudrat after Rishabh repeatedly encountered trash while surfing at popular Kovalam Beach. “Surfing is already a difficult sport,” Rishabh told The Better India. “While practicing, often, a paper or plastic cup […]
In the UK, scientists hoping to reduce the environmental impact of the construction industry have developed a way to grow building materials using knitted molds and the root network of fungi. Dubbed mycocrete, the team at Newcastle University created a composite using the knitted molds as a flexible framework. The material is stronger and more […]
In Switzerland, Aleph Farms has applied for regulatory approval for its cultivated meat, marking the first-ever submission for the category in Europe. Aleph Farms has applied for regulatory approval from the Swiss Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) with the goal of selling Aleph Cuts in Switzerland. The submission is part of our collaboration […]
In California, Origin Materials and Husky Technologies have reached a milestone in developing polyethylene terephthalate incorporating biobased furandicarboxylic acid for advanced packaging and other applications. Origin successfully polymerized FDCA into PET, and Husky molded the resulting PET/F hybrid polymer into preforms that were then blown into bottles. The companies used Husky’s injection molding technologies and […]
