In Sweden, a Horizon Europe project led by Stockholm University and supported by the EU-call Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking is exploring the use of diverse plants to produce biobased fibers. The Bio-LUSH Project is evaluating underutilized feedstocks such as hemp hurd, forest residues, nettle, and seagrasses to avoid competition with food production. The group […]
In New York, Brazilian footwear designer Melissa and American apparel brand Marc Jacobs have created a gender-neutral line of clothing made from sugarcane. The Pre-Fall 2023 collection was modelled by Iris Law and includes “sky-high clogs, the platform slip-on called Becky, and slides” in red, blue, beige, black and silver. “We have so many collabs […]
In Brazil, Braskem has completed a 30% increase in biobased ethylene capacity at its Triunfo, Rio Grande do Sul site. The $87-million expansion will support Braskem’s efforts to scale up annual biopolymer capacity to 1 million tons by 2030 and become carbon neutral by 2050. “The expansion of bio-based ethylene capacity reinforces Braskem’s commitment to […]
In Oregon, Shwood Eyewear has released the CAMP line of sunglasses, which are partially biobased and sport a National Parks theme. The line includes four styles—Arches, Crater Lake, Glacier and Joshua Tree—that retail for $79. The plant-based frames invoke the colors of famous National Parks sites, like the shade of blue of Crater Lake or […]
In Denmark, coffee byproduct upcycler has added new ingredients to its portfolio and will soon open an expanded production facility. Since the start of 2023, Kaffee Bueno has launched three new ingredients for the personal care products, including one capable or replacing environmentally problematic argan and palm oils in haircare products. “[The new ingredient] contains […]
In Europe, a multi-institute project evaluating the use of marginal land to cultivate trees and shrubs for use as feedstocks for bioplastics, biochar, and pet litter has achieved “promising results.” The group assessed growth of Siberian elm, common juniper, hoary rock-rose, rosemary, birch, common broom, blackwood acacia, mora, common hornbeam and black poplar across six […]
In Boston, Sumitomo Chemical will collaborate with Ginkgo Bioworks to develop functional chemicals using synthetic biology. Under the terms of the deal, Ginkgo will utilize its strain design technology to develop a microbial strain and related fermentation process to produce an undisclosed target molecule, while Sumitomo Chemical will develop the manufacturing process and scale-up for […]
In Germany, flavors and fragrances giant Symrise has invested in Bonumose, a startup developing enzymatic solutions for sweeteners. The minority investment will advance Bonumose’s production of rare monosaccharides, such as tagatose and allulose, that can offer an alternative to artificial sweetener sucrose. The area represents “a high-priority focus” for Symrise’s North America region within the […]
In Israel, biodegradable material firm Balena and designer Kitty Shukman have partnered to create a unique, 3D-printed concept slide called ROOTS. The slip-on casual sandals were designed by Shukman and made from Balena’s BioCir™, a fully compostable and biodegradable elastomer for the fashion industry. Inspired by plant roots, the design integrates the “branches and stems” […]
In the United Kingdom, The Magical Mushroom Company has launched a crowdfunding campaign to develop and commercialize bodyboarding boards made from mycelium, hemp and chitin. The company has already deployed its material in biodegradable packaging. It decided to pursue bodyboards as its second application because bodyboards are often only used for one summer and are […]
