The latest news about safe, sustainable and bio-based materials and products

Jellyfish used to Combat Micro-Plastic Pollution

An international consortium of researchers is working to create a “gelatinous solution to microplastic waste” by forming a filter made of jellyfish mucus which could filter microplastics from sea and ocean water.

Innovation, EnvironmentJames EdeSeptember 10, 2018Go Jelly, Vireo Advisors, gelatinous solution to microplastic waste, jellyfish mucus, jellyfish mucus filter, marine systems, microplasticComment

Adhesive-free Bio-based Suspended Ceiling Tiles using Nanocellulose

In a study published by BioResources, Nadir Yildirim of The University of Maine created adhesive-free bio-based suspended ceiling tiles using nanocellulose.

Innovation, NanomaterialsJames EdeSeptember 6, 2018BioResources, ArboTile, Nadir Yildirim, Vireo Advisors, University of Maine, dhesive-free bio-based suspended ceiling tiles, nanocelluloseComment

Researchers Develop an Eco-friendly Flame Retardant using Cellulose Nanocrystals

A recent journal article reported researchers in Korea developed an environmentally friendly flame retardant using cellulose nanocrystals (CNC).

Nanomaterials, InnovationJames EdeSeptember 4, 2018Korea, environmentally friendly flame retardant, Cellulose Nanocrystals, CNC, halogenated flame retardants, Vireo Advisors, new flame retardant, silylation, thermal stability of CNC, thermal insulation performance, environmental and human health risks, safer flame retardantsComment

Banana Plant Fibrils could Slow Ice Cream Melting

Researchers from Colombia's Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana have found a way to slow the melting of ice cream using a part of the banana plant which is typically thrown away.

Innovation, Nanomaterials, SustainabilityJames EdeAugust 30, 2018Vireo Advisors, banana, banana plant fibrils, slow ice cream melting, rachis, Colombia's Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, cellulose nanofibrils, powdered, tasteless, odorless cellulose nanofibrilsComment

AkzoNobel Specialty Chemicals and Renmatix Develop Biomass-based Performance Additives

AkzoNobel Specialty Chemicals and Renmatix recently announced that they are collaborating to produce biomass-based performance additives which will enhance the properties of paints and construction materials.

InnovationJames EdeAugust 13, 2018Vireo Advisors, AkzoNobel, Renmatix, biomass-based performance additives, Mike HamiltonComment

Synthetic Biology—the Future of Food?

In her interview with The Verge, Biologist and Creative Director Christina Agapakis of Ginkgo Bioworks discusses lab-grown meat, labeling, and how synthetic biology can help make products which are more sustainable and ethically sourced such as lab-grown meat.

Innovation, SustainabilityJames EdeAugust 7, 2018Ginkgo Bioworks, Christina Agapakis, lab-grown meat, synthetic biology', Vireo Advisors, GMOs, FDA, food labeling, sustainable and ethically sourcedComment

“Simple Cellulose” Renmatix

Renmatix has developed a product which can serve as a substitute for eggs, oils, fats and a variety of thickeners in baked goods called “Simple Cellulose”.

Innovation, Cellulose, Food InnovationJames EdeAugust 2, 2018Renmatix, Simple Cellulose, Vireo Advisors, Mike Hamilton, Chief Executive Officer of Renmatix, Plantrose Process, IFTNext, chemical-free product, clean food labelsComment

Antimicrobial Oils of Nano-based Packaging Material Improve Food Safety Quality

Researchers from NANOPACK, a 3 year EU funded project, are investigating the antimicrobial attributes of nanomaterials and how they can be used in food packaging to prolong the shelf life and decrease the risk of food born illnesses.

Innovation, NanomaterialsJames EdeJuly 25, 2018Nanopack, Antimicrobial Oils of Nano-based Packaging Material, nanomaterials, prolong the shelf life and decrease the risk of food born illnesses, spoiled food, food waste, EU fundedComment

Natural Plant Fibers Used to Make Buildings, Cars and Planes

The Economist published an exciting article looking at the various ways material scientists are using natural plant fibers to enhance everyday materials.

Innovation, Environment, Nanomaterials, SustainabilityJames EdeJuly 3, 2018CelluComp, Vireo Advisors, Lancaster University, nanoplatelets made of carrots, Stora Enso, University of Maryland, lignin, super wood, natural plant fibers, Natural Plant Fibers Used to Make Buildings, Cars and PlanesComment

USDA Forest Service and P3Nano Collaborative Projects on Cellulose Nanomaterials

During a review meeting at the USDA Forest Service Forest Products Laboratory (FPL) in Madison, Wisconsin, the USDA Forest Service and the US Endowment for Forestry and Communities discussed a public-private partnership named P3Nano examined projects in which they had co-invested in 2016 in an effort to fund cellulose nanomaterials research ($4 million total, $2 million from FS, $2 million from the partner).

Commercialization, Nanomaterials, InnovationJames EdeJune 25, 2018Vireo Advisors, University of Maine, Yreka, California, p3 Nano, USDA Forest Service, US Endowment for Forestry and Communities, Georgia Tech, FPL, nanom, nanomaterialComment