In California, OriginOil reports that, in recent independent third-party testing, the company’s algae harvesting process was able to remove 98% of hydrocarbons from a sample of West Texas oil well ‘frac flowback’ water in the first stage alone. Frac flowback describes water used in a drilling process called ‘hydraulic fracturing’, or ‘fracking’. This test sample […]
In Minnesota, TetraKO, maker of a cornstarch based fire suppressant, reports that Technology Council of the International Association of Fire Chiefs have published a white paper on their product. Based on two days of testing, the fire knockdown tests demonstrated that TetraKO yielded a significant advantage over water and foam. TetraKO is also the first […]
In Canada, University of British Columbia have found a replacement for the $20,000/kg perfume component ambergis. Researchers used a balsam fir gene inserted into yeast to produce cis-abrienol. As the researchers themselves state, while they have created an alternative with the fixative properties of ambergris, it does not have the fragrant qualities that makes ambergris […]
In Finland, VTT President and CEO Erkki Km Leppävuori states, “Finland should create a national bioeconomy strategy as soon as possible!” Speaking in Helsinki at the VTT Bioeconomy Forum Finland event, Leppävuori opened the discussion stating, “I believe that Finland, thanks to its competences and raw materials, can become a future leader in bioeconomy, and […]
In the United Kingdom, wired.co.uk reports that Thomas Vaily has created a bioplastic from human hair. Vaily is quoted, “… bioplastic resembling leather”, and that it’s “biodegradable and flexible, allowing it to be formed into a variety of everyday objects.” Wired reports that Vaily has made a jug, mirror frame, lamps and cups from his […]
In Connecticut, Galata Chemicals is introducing their Drapex Alpha, natural oil-based primary plasticizer technology. Drapex Alpha is a bio‐based primary plasticizer that can be used in place of a variety of conventional petroleum‐based plasticizers with similar cost performance attributes. Drapex Alpha is suitable for a multitude of general purpose and specialty applications. PVC compounds containing […]
In Delaware, DuPont Tate & Lyle Bio Products Company announced that its breakthrough product, Zemea propanediol, has been independently reviewed by Quality Assurance International and certified as 100 percent derived natural ingredient by Natrue, an international non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion and protection of natural beauty and skin care products. Zemea is made from […]
In the United Kingdom, Food and Drink iNet are funding a research project at the University of Leicester to discover ways to turn egg shells into plastics that could be used to manufacture anything from food packaging to construction materials, as well as products that may prove valuable in the pharmaceutical industry. Ultimately, the goal […]
In Canada, EcoSynthetix announced the commissioning of a new 80 million pound production line within its existing U.S. manufacturing facility, bringing the Company’s annualized capacity to 235 million pounds. The company specializes in bio-based products that can be used as inputs in industrial manufacturing for a wide range of consumer products, including Ecosphere Biolatex binders […]
In California, Codexis announced that research conducted by Merck and Codexis scientists to develop a highly efficient, enzyme-based production method for a key intermediate in the production of boceprevir has been recently published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society. Boceprevir is the active ingredient in Merck’s Victrelis capsules. Using their proprietary CodeEvolver technology, […]
