Monthly Archives: August 2020

In Mexico, student Fernando Sánchez has designed a biodegradable test for COVID-19 antibodies as his final-year project at Tecnológico de Monterrey. “Each test is made of cellulose and contains no plastic, fiberglass, or nitrocellulose, elements found in almost all single-use … Continue reading →

In Singapore and China, researchers are using fruit peel waste to recycle old lithium batteries. The method involves using orange peels to recover precious metals from battery waste, which could then be used in the production of new batteries. The … Continue reading →

In Kanpur, India, a “flowercycling” startup has raised Rs 10+ crore ($120,000) to convert flower waste from the region’s temples into vegan leather. The company, named Phool, was founded by Ankit Agarwal in 2017 to keep the 8 tons of … Continue reading →

In London, a fashion graduate has designed a shape-shifting, biodegradable dress using algae extract and waste from the silk industry. Scarlett Yang, who recently graduated from Central Saint Martins, used molds and renewable materials to make the dress, which has … Continue reading →

In Denmark, food ingredients firm Chr. Hansen has announced a 2025 strategy that includes becoming a “differentiated bioscience leader” with a focus on its microbial and fermentation platforms. The company says megatrends such as a growing world population, demographic shifts, … Continue reading →

In New Jersey, consumer products giant RB has launched a plant-based laundry care brand exclusively for amazon. Dubbed Botanical Origin, the brand will include a laundry detergent that is 67% biobased and a fabric softener that is 71% biobased. Both … Continue reading →

In Chicago, an extensive survey conducted by agribusiness giant ADM shows a clear consumer shift to plant-based protein during the COVID-19 pandemic. Consumers also report significant interest in improving their gut health, immunity and emotional wellbeing through nutrition. “Consumers’ attitudes, … Continue reading →

In Brazil, Reuters reports that US ethanol exporters will likely have to begin paying 20% duty on all ethanol going to Brazil as the country is expected to not renew the tariffs set to expire on August 31. The Trump … Continue reading →

In California, California Ethanol + Power announced its intention to enter into a 15-year marketing arrangement with global agribusiness leader CHS Inc. A letter of intent between the companies reflects their intent for CHS to be the exclusive marketer and … Continue reading →

In Arizona, Fortistar and Paloma Dairy announced the beginning of construction on a dairy digester renewable natural gas (RNG) facility, the Sunoma Renewable Biofuel Project. The new facility will produce 1.6 million gasoline gallon equivalents (GGE) of vehicle fuel annually … Continue reading →

In Bangladesh, a researcher known for promoting the use of jute has developed personal protective equipment made of jute and crab shells to help stop the spread of COVID-19 without creating further waste. Mubarak Ahmad Khan, adviser to Bangladesh Jute … Continue reading →

In California, cultured meat pioneer Impossible Foods has raised an additional $200 million amid surging demand. The Series G funding will be used on research and development as well as increasing production capacity for its plant-based, biotech meat. “We’ve seen … Continue reading →

In the United Kingdom, researchers at the University of Cambridge have demonstrated that 3-D printed artificial coral made of biopolymers, hydrogels, and cellulose nanomaterials are capable of being colonized by algae. The symbiotic relationship between algae and coral is key … Continue reading →

In New York, preppy fashion brand Ralph Lauren is investing in Natural Fiber Welding, a Peoria-Illinois-based startup developing a process to upcycle waste natural fibers into higher-performing materials. Founded in 2015, Natural Fiber Welding uses “precise manipulation of molecular bonding” … Continue reading →

In Texas, researchers at Texas A&M University have created a stronger carbon-fiber composite by incorporating recycled wood waste. The newly discovered material overcomes a persistent challenge with such composites and be a gamechanger for creating stronger, lighter materials, researchers say. … Continue reading →

In New York, mushroom packaging firm Ecovative Design is seeing increased demand from beauty brands seeking to reduce their plastics use amid consumer environmental concerns. “Mushrooms are nature’s recycling system,” Gavin McIntyre, co-founder of Ecovative Design, tells Vogue. “They’re decomposers. … Continue reading →

In India, a Hyderabad radio station is promoting its Ramky Big Green Ganesha initiative aimed at promoting the use of Ganesh idols made of natural materials and seeds at the upcoming Vinayaka Chaturthi festival. Launched by BIG FM in 2008, … Continue reading →

In California, Lygos (Berkeley, California) has validated a fermentation-based production process for cannabinoids. Using technology gained from Lygos’s January acquisition of Librede, the company was able to produce both cannabinoid compounds not easily produced via traditional agriculture and common cannabinoids, … Continue reading →

In Brazil, Platts reports the national oil and biofuels agency ANP has temporarily cut the biodiesel blending mandate to 10% for September and October due to concerns about sufficient supplies in light of increased diesel demand. Biodiesel producers slowed down … Continue reading →

In Taiwan, the Taipei Times reports the Environmental Protection Agency is exploring the development of four new MSW-fueled power plants to divert 230,000 metric tons from incinerators, extending the life of the incinerators while producing enough power for 11,000 homes. … Continue reading →