In London, sustainable materials and fashion brand PANGAIA has launched a new athletic wear line from 100% castor oil-based polyamide. Dubbed PLNT Nylon, the all-black collection includes a jacket, blouson, and track pants. Details like zippers are made from recycled polyethylene terephthalate. PANGAIA recently told hypebeast that the collection is a direct response to the […]
In London, sustainable clothing brand Volleback has made a jacket prototype out of American walnut wood. The brand hopes the jacket will show that wood has the potential to be a viable option for manufacturing clothes. “Wood is one of the most abundant building materials on the planet and it has been since the beginning of […]
In London, Researchers from King’s College London, Swansea University, and collaborators in Chile has developed a self-healing roads concept that leverages biobased spores. Specifically, the discovery addresses the pervasive issue of potholes, which cost U.S. drivers approximately $3 billion annually. The method involves organisms that reverse cracking in bitumen, the sticky substance used in asphalt […]
In London, biotech startup Modern Synthesis has raised $5.5 million to commercialize microbially-derived biomaterials. Modern Synthesis transforms nanocellulose into durable, high-quality alternatives to animal leather, vegan leather, and plastic-based coated textiles. The company’s scalable, proprietary process leverages advanced material science to build upon the innate strength and versatility of nanocellulose, a naturally derived polymer which […]
In London, a sustainable sequins start-up has achieved the world’s first fully biodegradable sequins produced at scale. Founded by Claire Lichfield during the pandemic as part of R&D project Bodici, Sequinova aims to help the fashion industry replace sequins, a source of microplastic waste, with a sustainable alternative. Sequinova’s cellulose-based sequins decompose in freshwater within […]
In London, clothing brand Vollebak has partnered with Japan’s Spiber, a company using molecular engineering to create biomaterial similar to spider silk, to create a 2024 line that includes a sweater, beanie and scarf. The process begins with yeast, which is cultivated to produce a unique biofabric that mimics the properties of wool. Once the […]
In London, New Wave Biotech has raised €1.2 million (US$1.25 million) to boost staff levels and expand markets for its AI bioprocess simulation software. The company’s Bioprocess Foresight platform facilitates biomanufacturing development by simulating bioprocesses to predict quantified output, costs and sustainability impact. The program also improves as it learns from empirical data. According to […]
In London, design publication dezeen has included several biobased products in its annual list of most innovative materials. “The realities of climate change have driven another big year in material innovation in 2024,” according to the publication. Winners include Christien Meindertsma, who has created Flaxwood tiles for brand Dzek, and design collective Nawa’s RePit, which […]
In London, animal advocacy group World Animal Protection has partnered with AI software company PubTrawlr to unveil Cultivator, the first-ever chatbot dedicated to cultivated meat. The tool aims to provide consumers with easy access to information about cultivated meat. The Cultivator is designed to raise awareness and acceptance of cultivated meat by answering questions and […]
In London, sustainability focused apparel company Pangaia has unveiled an enhanced version of its Flwrdwn biobased down alternative as part of the new DNA Flower Warmth collection. Originally launched in 2019, Flwrdwn combines hand-harvested wildflowers, biopolymer, and aerogel to create a breathable material that serves as an alternative to traditional down. The wildflowers are sourced […]
