In Ontario, researchers with the wasteCANcreate program are looking to turn starchy food waste—including potato peels and corn stalks—into nylon for everyday items like yoga pants. Led by Ontario Genomics, the project is a collaborative effort by a consortium of businesses and institutions, including University of Toronto, University of Waterloo and Carleton University, to produce […]
In China, lactic acid producer Jindan New Biomaterials has licensed Sulzer’s polylactic acid process for a planned 75,000 metric tons PLA bioplastics plant in the Henan Province. The bioplastics will be used in food packaging, molded goods and textile fibers production. Sulzer will also provide “extensive service support” to ensure a seamless start. Financial terms […]
In South Korea, CJ Biomaterials has partnered with Dongil Platech to develop a new eco-friendly straw made from polylactic acid and CJ Biomaterials’ PHACT amorphous polyhydroxyalkanoate biopolymer. By combining PLA and aPHA—a softer, more rubbery version of PHA—the two companies can produce a material with higher-performing properties and a faster rate of biodegradation. “We expect […]
In the United Kingdom, specialty chemical maker Croda International Plc and the Universities of Nottingham and York are collaborating to develop novel, sustainable polymers for liquid formulations. Such polymers are used for emulsification and formulation stabilization in a number of day-to-day items, including crop protection and personal care products. Royal Society of Chemistry estimates that […]
In Illinois, scientists with the Agricultural Research Service’s National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research are eyeing soy processing waste as kitty litter. In a recent Bioresource Technology manuscript, they describe a commercial use for soybean hulls and other agricultural waste that reduces the dust and smell of cat urine compared to traditional sodium bentonite litter. […]
In Italy, a bioplastics installation that changes color based on UV radiation has been on display at Milan Design Week. Designed by Crafting Plastics Studio and DumoLab Research, the hanging installation—dubbed entitled Sensbiom 2—is made from cellulose and algae infused with photochromic elements. The latter makes the Sensbiom 2 change colors in the presence of […]
In Italy, medical supplies company Corman has codeveloped a bioplastic tampon applicator in collaboration with Slovenian sanitary supply firm, Tosama. The applicators, which are made by injection-molding waste from wheat, corn and sugarcane, took a decade to develop and will be sold under the Organyc brand, beginning in the third quarter. “Tosama is one of […]
In Estonia, ÄIO and Fibenol have partnered to develop a reliable alternative to traditionally produced fats and vegetable oils. The partnership will leverage Fibenol’s process, which converts wood residues into lignin and two types of sugars, and ÄIO’s technology, which converts sugars into oils and fatty acids for functional food, feed, and cosmetics ingredients. Traditionally, […]
In New York, designer Chiu-Lian Lee is using lab-growth proteins to produce colored textiles, having been inspired to create sustainable change for the fashion industry while a student at the Fashion Institute of Technology in 2018. “I was really frustrated about the status quo of how textiles were being made,” she tells Fast Company. Lee […]
In the Netherlands, certification program TÜV Austria has confirmed single-serve coffee capsules from Rosiro Group are compostable. Dubbed Solinatra and made from plant-based materials. TÜV Austria’s certification means the capsules can be used in home compost bins and regular food waste collection. The capsule’s material also features high oxygen and water vapor barrier properties, keeping […]
