In Germany, BMW I Ventures has made an undisclosed investment in NFW, a creator of all-natural, plastic-free alternatives to materials such as leathers, foams, and textiles. NFW has developed novel technologies that allow natural inputs to be shaped and molded into a durable, all-natural and fully recyclable leather alternative called MIRUM. The financing round will […]
In the Mediterranean Sea, architects Angelo Renna and Apurva Baldawa are trialing an artificial, but biodegradable, floating island designed to sustain aquatic creatures. Dubbed Isolotto, the island is made of a cork inner layer covered in gypsum. The top of the structure is suitable for plant growth, while the bottom features hills and valleys where […]
In Australia, researchers at Queensland University of Technology have developed a biobased glue that they hope can repair sections of the Great Barrier Reef damaged by cyclones, boats, or bleaching. Leonie Barner, professor of chemistry at the QUT, told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. that the glue is comprised of plant extract and biocompatible polymer. “So, […]
In New Brunswick, indigenous entrepreneur Nicole Hollins has founded Spark Sourcing to distribute solutions that reduce plastics content up to 50% by adding eco-shell, a patented eggshell-based material. Leveraging a network of partner factories across Asia, Spark Sourcing will sell the adaptable material to industries such as plastic goods, packaging, toys, pallets, and yoga mats. […]
In the United Kingdom, Holiferm and Fibenol will jointly develop biosurfactants from wood residues. The partnership will leverage Fibenol’s wood-based sugars and Holiferm’s fermentation expertise to produce sustainable alternatives to petrochemical- and palm oil-based surfactants. “Even though we are still young and relatively small companies, we believe that by working together, we can have a […]
In Oregon, Dirty Labs has expanded its biodegradable Bio Enzyme Laundry Detergents to include a new fragrance. Murasaki Bio Laundry Detergent and Bio Booster is now available for purchase at select Whole Foods, in addition to the Signature and Free & Clear Bio Laundry Detergent that hit the chain’s shelves last August. Led by Co-Founder […]
In China, Apical Oleochemical (Taixing) Co., Ltd. has started up the first phase of its Oleochemical Industry Integration Project at Taixing, Jiangsu. At 600,000 tons of capacity, the Apical plant is the largest such project in China. It will mainly produce fatty acids, hydrogenated oil, oleic acid, glycerine, and related products for chemical, pharmaceutical, health […]
In Italy, ultra-luxury fashion brand Fendi and architect Kengo Kuma have jointly designed men’s accessories that feature biobased materials and are inspired by Japanese craftmanship. The collaboration produced versions of Fendi’s Peekaboo bag, Baguette Soft Trunk and Flow Sneakers using materials such as waranshi—a type of paper made from cotton and tree bark fibers that […]
In the United Kingdom, food producer Finnebrogue and cultivated meat maker Ivy Farm Technologies have signed a letter of intent to jointly develop the world’s first commercially available cultivated wagyu beef burgers. Ivy Farm is working at its 18,000 sq. ft. facility in Oxford to cultivate cells sourced from Finnebrogue’s own world-class herd of wagyu […]
In Thailand, design studio suMphat Gallery and researchers from several Thai universities are showcasing the potential for repurposing mango waste into bio-leather. In an exhibition called second life, the team “[gives] new purpose to food… [and] is paving the way for a circular economy,” suMphat tells designboom. The project also adds value to agricultural waste […]
