In New Zealand, University of Waikato’s Dr. Johan Verbeen is working on taking chicken feathers and turning them into fibers that, when added to plastic, could be strong enough to be used in the marine industry. His group is working with co-product company Wallace Corporation aiming to take a low value product and convert it […]
In Georgia, five major American brands have formed a coalition to accelerate development and use of plant-based plastic. Coca-Cola Co., Ford Motor Co., H.J. Heinz Co., Nike Inc., and Procter & Gamble Co. announced their commitment to developing a commercially viable, sustainably sourced plastic made entirely from plant materials while reducing the use of fossil […]
In Germany, University of Freiburg researchers have produced polyurethanes using limonene, oxygen and carbon dioxide. In a solvent free process, limonene oxide was processed with CO2 to produce limonene bicarbonate, which can then be molded and hardened with amines. Citric acid amidoamine was successfully used as a hardener, further greening the process. Limonene can be […]
In California, FrogLube has committed to an ongoing donation of 250,000 units for frontline troops in Afghanistan of their bio-based cleaner, lubricant and preservative made from ‘food-grade’ ingredients. Larry Lasky, retired U.S. Navy SEAL and President at FrogLube, stated “I know from personal experience that there are essential items that aren’t available and things that […]
In California, BioMass Packaging has broadened its range of bio-friendly alternatives to foodservice staples with the addition of new paper cold cups manufactured from renewably sourced paper fibers. Eschewing the polyethylene that is normally used to line paper cups, these new PLA-lined cold cups use a plant-based Ingeo lining to provide leak-proof performance. When used […]
In Wisconsin, InPro has introduced a much-lighter option in solid-surface bathroom partitions with InPro’s new line of panels made with bio-resin. BioPrism Privacy Partitions are manufactured using a 100% recycled, reinforced particleboard core encapsulated by ¼” solid surface material. With the reinforced core and study shell of BioPrism solid surface, the partitions are more durable […]
In Minnesota, NatureWorks’ Ingeo biopolymer, made from plants, has been Cradle to Cradle Certified Silver by the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute. Cradle to Cradle is a multi-attribute program that assesses products for safety to human and environmental health, design for future use cycles, and sustainable manufacturing processes. The certification is recognized by environmental […]
In Germany, the industry group European Bioplastics is stating that a recent report from a group at the University of Massachusetts, “Sustainability of bio-based plastics: general comparative analysis and recommendations for improvement” was flawed. According to an article in Plasteurope.com, European Bioplastics is quoted as stating “includes political parameters that are not necessarily scientifically backed […]
In Italy, Gucci is launching a newly designed pair of sunglasses made from liquid wood. This is a material made up of lignin from paper production, wood fibers and a natural wax, all of which add up to the sunglass frames being biodegradable. The prototype sunglasses were developed in conjunction with Safilo, and are expected […]
In Washington State, True Natural’s 2012 Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen lineup now carry the coveted NPA Natural Seal. The NPA Natural Seal certifies compliance with the Natural Products Association Standard for Personal Care Products. In order to receive the Natural Seal products must meet strict guidelines set by NPA. True Natural’s 2012 Broad Spectrum […]
