In California, Mr. Charlie’s, a small plant-based fast-food chain colloquially known as the “Vegan McDonalds,” is using dairy-free cultured cheddar cheese from Sweden’s Stockeld Dreamery for its new Mr. Royale with Cheese menu item. The self-styled “sarcastic disruptor” burger joint chose Stockheld Dreamery cheese because of its excellent melting properties and high protein content. “I’m […]
In Barcelona, the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia has recently completed the second phase of a 100-square meeting building prototype constructed using 3D printing and locally sourced soil and natural materials. Dubbed 3D Printed Earth Forest Campus, the structure is being erected in Collserola Natural Park. Phase one was a single earth-printed wall, which […]
In New York, designer Kim Jiwoo has responded to the Stanley Quencher/cup trend with a biobased thermoplastic version. Dubbed LINK, the mugs use cellulose cross-linked polymer made by adding plasticizer to cellulose sourced from wood waste. “LINK… tries to signify the connection between humans and trees on multiple levels,” according to Yanko Design. “Its handle […]
In New York, polyurethane fabrics company Ultrafabrics has introduced a biobased performance fabric for aviation interiors. Launched at May’s Aircraft Interiors Expo, the material “seamlessly integrates renewable plant-based materials” into a multi-layer construction, company execs recently told Business Jet Interiors International. AV Bio is made from wood-based Tencel Modal fibers manufactured by Austria’s Lenzing and […]
In Illinois, plant-based ingredients producer Primient and Synonym, a biomanufacturing infrastructure developer, have partnered to accelerate bioproduct innovation and commercialization in the US. The first project calls for Primient and Synonym to re-commission and upgrade existing fermentation assets at Primient’s Decatur, IL facility, as well as expand current capacity and downstream processing capabilities. Once completed, […]
In Illinois, Aqua Cultured Foods has earned regulatory approval for its fermentation-based seafood, paving the way for restaurant launches in September. The Generally Recognized as Safe designation allows for its raw ingredient to be used in any food product. Its first launches will be tuna and scallop analogues at sushi quality, with sales initially focused […]
In Amsterdam, the PEFerence consortium has announced completion of the world’s first large-scale biorefinery to produce polyethylene furanoate precursor furan dicarboxylic acid (FDCA). PEFerence, a consortium of 13 companies looking to advance PEF as a lower-carbon, biobased alternative in the production of bottles, flexible films and textiles, said an official opening ceremony for the 5,000 […]
In Thailand, allnex, an industrial coatings and resins firm owned by PTT Global, has joined an ongoing biobased epoxy coating development project between AGC VinyThai and Michigan State University Professor Mojgan Nejad. AGC Vinythai has worked with Nejad to explore the use of lignin as a bisphenol A substitute to boost the biobased content of […]
In Paris, cultivated gourmet foods company Gourmey has requested approval for market access in five initial global regions: Singapore, the United States, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and the European Union. Gourmey focuses on “providing new and delicious culinary experiences,” with its flagship cultivated duck product set to offer a new choice for foie gras enthusiasts, […]
In the US, lobbying from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association has prompted the Department of Defense to cancel plans to fund research into cultivated meat for military consumption. The DoD put out a call in May for funding applications for sustainable food and materials technologies with military applications that reduced emissions via bioindustrial processes. The […]
