Technology
Low-dose treatment boosts biogas from banana waste
Researchers in Brazil have found that low concentrations of caustic soda work better than high doses for preparing organic waste for biogas production. The finding boosts methane output. It also cuts costs and reagent use in the bioprocess. The study…
Demeter Bio unveils PFAS-free coating
London-based Demeter Bio has developed a non-toxic coating designed to replace PFAS chemicals in textiles and packaging. The technology, called Fibrepel, aims to replicate the water and stain-repellent properties of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Known as forever chemicals, PFAS compounds…
Date palm waste turns into bioplastic in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is home to about 37 million date palms, and companies are now finding new value in what's left after harvest. Date palm residues are being turned into engineered wood, furniture and biodegradable plastics, while researchers explore further industrial…
New bio-based plastic converts into fertilizer
Chiba University, together with the University of Tokyo and Tohoku University, has developed a circular bio-based plastic system. It can be converted into fertilizer after use. The research builds on earlier work. That work showed a bio-based polycarbonate made from…
Nestlé turns coffee waste into biofuel
Nestlé UK is turning a coffee production by-product into a source of clean energy, cutting waste and costs at its Tutbury factory in the process. Since 2015, the site has recycled used coffee beans from Nescafé manufacturing and converted them…
Researchers push seaweed bioplastics
Filipino scientists are turning to the ocean for a solution to plastic pollution. During the 48th Annual Scientific Meeting of the National Academy of Science and Technology-Philippines (NAST PHL), researchers highlighted the potential of seaweed-derived bioplastics, biodegradable plastics made from…