[Weekly Snapshot: Key Developments from the Bioeconomy] Explore the latest bioeconomy innovations across diverse sectors, from sustainable packaging to eco-friendly sporting goods. This week, we delve into the exciting strides made by leading companies and emerging players dedicated to advancing biobased materials and processes. In this issue: * RadiciGroup launches bio-based
Plus: Mycelium in Fashion, Flax Composites for Automobiles, Industry News and Links
Sonichem is spearheading an Innovate UK-funded consortium with a £600,000 grant to revolutionize the automotive industry by introducing sustainable, bio-based materials.
While conventional insulation companies use non-biodegradable and toxic materials, Hempitecture offers eco-friendly and healthy insulation products made from natural fibers, such as hemp.
A team of researchers at the McKelvey School of Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis has launched the Synthetic Biology Manufacturing of Advanced Materials Research Center (SMARC) to combat the environmental damage caused by the excessive use and disposal of plastic. The center's mission is to push
These bio-based carbon black alternatives offer sustainable, versatile solutions across industries, significantly reducing CO2 emissions and environmental impact.
Ourobio is co-producing PHA and bio-based pigments from low-value organic waste byproducts.
BASF and Carlisle Construction Materials have partnered to explore the use of Lupranate ZERO (Zero Emission, Renewable Origin), an isocyanate with a claimed zero carbon footprint, in the production of thermal insulation materials for buildings. Lupranate ZERO is used to create MDI polyisocyanurate boards and rigid polyurethane foam. Carlisle Construction
What's new in the bio-products space? It's a sector that's constantly evolving, and the following stories just scratch the surface of recent developments in new biomaterials and applications.
Ecovio® is a high-quality bioplastic developed by BASF, characterized by its compostability and partial bio-based composition.
Kultevat employs a dandelion species to produce natural rubber that doesn’t contribute to deforestation.
Every year, around 8 million tons of plastic waste enters our oceans. But the London-based startup Notpla believes that the solution to our plastic problem lies in the sea. It’s no secret that packaging accounts for 40% of total plastic usage, making it one of the major contributors to
Blog
By “partnering” with microbes to create vibrant colors, French start-up PILI, Inc. aims to reduce the environmental footprint of the conventional dye industry.
Newsletter
Innovative uses of olive pits in interior design applications, the integration of bamboo into sportswear, new compostable coffee capsules, hemp-based insulation, plant-based nylon, and more.
Blog
CelluComp, a visionary Scottish company, is redefining material science with its groundbreaking product, Curran®.
Blog
A look at 10 biobased polyamide options as high-performance, sustainable alternatives to traditional nylon materials.
Packaging Materials
NEOPS® is a sustainable, biomass-certified foam material from Knauf Industries, offering an eco-friendly alternative to expanded polystyrene (EPS).
Biocement® is a revolutionary building material developed by North Carolina based Biomason that's created through a fusion of biology and technology.
Building Materials
The world is grappling with the challenges of waste management and climate change. Industrial sectors, especially the construction industry, contribute significantly to this problem by generating enormous volumes of waste. Mycocycle, a pioneering green technology company, aims to address these issues by transforming waste materials into valuable, low-carbon biobased materials
Blog
Since its inception in 2016, MakeGrowLab has been at the forefront of sustainable material innovation, marrying science with design to pioneer a fully circular production model.
Blog
Humble Bio, based in Wellington, New Zealand, is recreating bioplastics from bee DNA. One of the most intriguing aspects of Humble Bee Bio’s work is the biological inspiration behind it—a particular species of solitary bee known as the Australian masked bee. This bee produces a special bioplastic to
Blog
Arda Biomaterials is poised to revolutionize sustainable materials with New Grain™, an alternative leather derived from brewers’ spent grain (BSG). Arda Biomaterials, a London-based startup founded in 2022, is harnessing the potential of BSG—a by-product of the beer-brewing process—to create a sustainable alternative to traditional leather. Their proprietary
Ireland-based Hexafly offers sustainable food and fertilizer solutions, utilizing Black Soldier Fly larvae to produce protein and other byproducts. Yup, you read that correctly: Black soldier fly larvae. Hexafly operates Ireland’s only vertical insect farm, specializing in the Black Soldier Fly to convert food waste into valuable products like
Plastics & Rubber
Inspired by ocean microorganisms that convert methane and CO2 into polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), Newlight Technologies embarked on a mission to replicate this process to produce high-performance, cost-effective biomaterials. The result is a unique, circular, and versatile biomaterial material called Air Carbon. Characteristics and Applications of AirCarbon AirCarbon is not just another