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

Enzymatic Recycling for PET

The French company Carbios has announced a new enzymatic recycling process that can reportedly infinitely recycle polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

Innovation, EnvironmentJames EdeMarch 28, 2019Carbios, enzymatic recycling procress, recycle polyethylene terephthalate (PET), thermomechanical recycling of PET, L’Oreal, terephthalic acid, monoethylene glycol, repolymerizes PET, PET bottlesComment

Ned Sharpless to be Acting FDA Commissioner

Following the resignation of Scott Gottlieb, Ned Sharpless has been appointed Acting FDA Commissioner.

LeadershipJames EdeMarch 21, 2019Ned Sharpless, FDA Commissioner, Scott Gottlieb, Health and Human Services Secretary Alex AzarComment

New Fermentation-Derived Vegan Protein Source

Sustainable Bioproducts has created a new fermentation technique to cultivate a novel protein source from microorganisms.

Innovation, Environment, CommercializationJames EdeMarch 19, 2019Vegan Protein Source, Sustainable Bioproducts, novel protein source from microorganisms, Yellowstone National Park, extremophiles, nine essential amino acidsComment

ECHA Publishes Form for Notifying PIC Exports to the UK after BREXIT

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has published a temporary procedure for notifying Prior Informed Consent (PIC) exports to the United Kingdom after the first 35 days of the BREXIT.

Policy, RegulationJames EdeMarch 14, 2019BREXIT, United Kingdom, European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), Vireo Advisors, Prior Informed Consent (PIC) Exports, manual export notification form, EUComment

Vireo Advisors Co-Author “Risk Analysis of Cellulose Nanomaterials by Inhalation: Current State of Science”

Led by Dr. James Ede, the Vireo team co-authored a study in a special issue of the open access journal Nanomaterials with Michael Goergen and Alan Rudie entitled "Risk Analysis of Cellulose Nanomaterials by Inhalation: Current State of Science".

Nanomaterials, Risk AnalysisJames EdeMarch 11, 2019Dr. James Ede, Risk Analysis of Cellulose Nanomaterials by Inhalation: Current State of Science, Vireo Advisors, special issue of the open access journal Nanomaterials, Michael Goergen and Alan Rudie, inhalation exposure to cellulose nanomaterial (CN) dusts, risk assessment purposes, nanomaterials, short term CN inhalation, transient inflammation, workplace conditionsComment

New RoHS2 Phthalate Substance Restrictions

Starting in July, 2019 the following four phthalates will be added to the list of restricted substances under EU RoHS 2 (Directive 2011/65/EU), which restricts the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment in the European Union.

Policy, RegulationJames EdeMarch 8, 2019phthalate, RoHS2 Phthalate Substance Restrictions, EU, EU RoHS 2 (Directive 2011/65/EU), Bis(2-Ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP): max 0.1%, Benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP): max 0.1%, Dibutyl phthalate (DBP): max 0.1%, Diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP): max 0.1%, plastic softenersComment

Cellulose Nanofibers Improve Graphene Film Performance

Researchers at Sichuan University have demonstrated the use of cellulose nanofibers (CNF) to enhance the mechanical strength of graphene-based films and lower the production costs of the material.

Innovation, Graphene, NanomaterialsJames EdeMarch 6, 2019Sichuan University, cellulose nanofibers (CNF), graphene-based films, Vireo AdvisorsComment

GO Dough Simplifies Delivery and Storage of Graphene Oxide

A moldable, pliable, shapeable dough of graphene oxide has been developed by mixing ultrahigh concentrations with water.

Graphene, InnovationJames EdeMarch 4, 2019GO Dough, graphene play dough, Northwestern University, Jiaxing HuangComment

Scientists Discover Phthalate-Degrading Bacteria

Researchers in South Korea have found a bacteria that can degrade endocrine-disrupting phthalates, including dibutyl phthalate.

Environment, InnovationJames EdeFebruary 27, 2019endocrine-disrupting phthalates, Novosphingobium fluvii, Phthalate-Degrading Bacteria, RhodococcusComment

Silkworms Fed with Carbon Nanotubes and Graphene Produce Super-Strong, Electrically Conductive Silk

In a study published in Nano Letters, researchers have made silk which is stronger, tougher and electrically conductive by feeding carbon nanotubes and graphene to silkworms.

Innovation, Nanomaterials, GrapheneJames EdeFebruary 19, 2019Nano Letters, Silkworms Fed with Carbon Nanotubes and Graphene Produce Super-Strong, Electrically Conductive Silk, wearable electronics, fabrics and medical implantsComment