News
CJ Biomaterials turns sugar into biodegradable plastic
At a research lab in Woburn, Massachusetts, pebble-sized pellets are being molded into forks, films and packaging. Unlike ordinary plastic, these are designed to disappear rather than persist. The material comes from CJ Biomaterials. The company ferments sugar to produce…
EPA approval opens biofuel market to CoverCress oil
The US Environmental Protection Agency has approved oil from CoverCress for renewable fuel production. CoverCress is a winter oilseed crop developed by CoverCress Inc. The approval falls under the federal Renewable Fuel Standard program. It gives the crop access to…
Ginkgo Bioworks, Acies Bio bring engineered fungus to Europe
Ginkgo Bioworks is bringing its engineered fungus technology to Europe. The company has licensed its Aspergillus niger strains to Acies Bio, a contract manufacturer based in Slovenia. The deal gives European customers a single path from strain access to full-scale…
Convertus Group secures $96.2 M for Ontario biofuel plant
Canadian waste-to-energy developer Convertus Group has secured $96.2 million in project financing. The funding will advance its flagship biofuel facility in York Region, Ontario. Power Sustainable Infrastructure Credit provided the capital. Selkirk Advisory Group served as financial advisor to Convertus.…
Beauty biotech C16 launches fermented cocoa butter
C16 Biosciences has entered the food industry with a fermented cocoa butter equivalent. The New York biotech, known for sustainable palm oil alternatives, is now applying its technology to edible fats. The new product is sold under the Palmless brand…
Melon peels turned into vegan leather
Chilgok County in South Korea has developed a plant-based leather alternative made from discarded melon peels, aiming to reduce agricultural waste while boosting the local economy. The county sits in North Gyeongsang Province, one of the country's top melon-producing regions.…