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

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

NanoAOP Workshop coordinated by Vireo Advisors to be held at NanoTox 2018- 9th International Conference on Nanotoxicology

The 2018 Nanotox Conference 19-21 September is being held in Neuss, Germany, with sessions examining the current status of hazard and exposure assessment for emerging nanomaterials.

Events, Nanomaterials, Risk AnalysisJames EdeAugust 29, 20182018 Nanotox Conference, Vireo Advisors, Dr. James Ede, Dr. Jo Anne Shatkin, Neuss, Germany, current status of hazard and exposure assessment for emerging nanomaterials, SmartNanoTox, EU Horizon2020, AOP development, OECD, risk assessment of nanomaterials., nanotoxicology, Adverse Outcome PathwaysComment

OECD Workshop on Physico-Chemical Parameters Framework for the Risk Assessment of Nanomaterials

Vireo Advisor’s Dr. Jo Anne Shatkin is working with US EPA and will be co-facilitating an Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) workshop on Physico-Chemical Parameters Framework for the Risk Assessment of Nanomaterials in Paris, France on September 11, 2018.

ECHA Database on Candidate List Substances to be Released by 2019

According to a rule adopted by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) amending Directive 2008/98/EC on Waste, companies producing, importing or selling articles that contain Candidate List Substances must submit information required by the rule by the end of 2020.

Policy, RegulationJames EdeAugust 15, 2018Vireo Advisors, ECHA, Candidate List Substances, Directive 2008/98/EC on Waste, waste operatorsComment

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

EFSA seeks Public Consultation on Chemical Mixtures Draft Guidance

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is seeking public consultation on draft guidance on harmonized methodologies for assessing combined exposure to multiple chemicals.

Policy, Guidance, Risk AnalysisJames EdeAugust 9, 2018Vireo Advisors, EFSA, public comment, chemical mixtures in food, harmonized methodologies for assessing combined exposure to multiple chemicals, Brussels, BelgiumComment

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

US EPA TSCA Nanomaterials Reporting Requirement Deadline: August 14, 2018

Manufacturers, importers, and processors of a nanomaterials (as defined in the rule; 82 Fed. Reg. 3641) during the last three years must report certain information by the August 14 deadline.

Nanomaterials, Policy, RegulationJames EdeJuly 23, 2018US EPA TSCA Nanomaterials Reporting Requirement, Manufacturers, importers, and processors of a nanomaterial, Vireo AdvisorsComment