Ex-IBM leader turns brewery waste into sustainable egg white protein alternative
Replicating the unique functionality of egg whites, like foaming, binding, and gelling, has long been a critical challenge for the alternative protein industry. Their traditional production comes with steep trade-offs, requiring large amounts of water, land, and feed for chickens, and have Carbon emissions ~2,600 kg CO2-eq per cycle, with chicken feed contributing the majority. […]
This 3000x sweeter than sugar protein secured US regulatory approval
Reducing sugar in food without sacrificing taste has been one of the toughest challenges for the food industry. Many sugar alternatives either don’t taste the same or fail to work well in recipes. With over 74% of packaged foods containing added sugars, the global sugar reduction efforts have intensified. Yet, natural sweeteners like stevia and […]
This 52 ingredient, natural formula is leading the slow beauty trend
Following the slow beauty trend, consumers increasingly seek ethically produced, eco-friendly products that provide long-term benefits rather than quick fixes. Market data shows that 65% of consumers are willing to pay a premium for products with natural and organic ingredients. A startup called My Green is meeting this demand for sustainable cosmetics using the maximal […]
Former Apple exec turns 500 years of ocean waste into backyard compost
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) has long been a go-to material for electronics and automotive packaging due to its lightweight and protective properties. However, EPS takes up to 500 years to degrade and contributes to 11 million metric tons of plastic in the ocean annually. With less than 10% of EPS recycled due to contamination and high […]
This startup is making plastic-free goods without cutting down a single tree!
Most alternatives to plastic (e.g., paper products) rely on tree fibers. A World Wide Fund for Nature survey shows that the Pulp and paper industry consumes nearly 40 percent of the industrial wood traded globally. Replacing plastic with paper is easy, but ReStalk is taking it to another level. The regenerative packaging startup offers an […]
A gigaton challenge: Will biochar-robots achieve the carbon removal goal by 2040?
In 2023, biochar carbon removal represented over 90% of delivered carbon credit. At an average cost of $176 per tonne, it is the most cost-effective offsetting technique compared to nature-based solutions, which average $27 per tonne. This affordability has significantly attracted buyers and made biochar a dominant player in carbon offset marketplaces. The biochar industry is […]
Hot Drinks, Cold Vaccines: How 67% of Food Packaging Patents Focus on Thermal Packaging
Maintaining product integrity, increasing shelf life, and preventing contamination are some of the crucial problems various industries tackle today, especially the food and pharma sectors. Evidently, the ongoing innovations within these industries focus on efficient temperature-controlled packaging solutions and materials. While the Asia-Pacific region has shown remarkable growth in insulated packaging, our comprehensive report discusses […]
This startup uses black soldier flies to cut farm emissions.
Over the past decade, the average American’s protein consumption has increased by 25%. This surge in demand has led to unsustainable livestock farming, producing millions of tons of food waste each year. A significant portion of this waste ends up in landfills, producing greenhouse gases. FAO estimates that the global livestock industry produces 14.5% of […]
This Lithuanian startup is saving the planet, one shampoo bar at a time
Many conventional beauty products contain up to 80% water, which is largely unnecessary. The water content increases the product’s weight and transportation emissions. These cosmetics will also require far more preservatives. Waterless cosmetics have emerged as a solution to these issues. But they’re not without faults. Due to a lack of potent preservatives, achieving a […]
Boox’s Innovative Reusable Packaging Platform: Transforming Single-Use Waste into Circular Solutions
Regulatory bodies, especially in Europe and the U.S., are implementing stricter standards on recyclability and reuse, compelling companies to adopt sustainable practices. In response, the packaging industry is moving toward circular economy models that focus on reuse and sustainability. Startups like Boox are offering reusable packaging solutions that help reduce waste and support the shift […]
7 Carbon offset marketplaces – Are you partnering with the right one?
While companies consider carbon offset marketplaces an easy fix to close the gap in their carbon reduction goals, the reality is far messier. What looks like a simple solution is a landscape riddled with unreliable claims, murky quality, and a lack of transparency. The Verra controversy shook the market’s trust in carbon offsetting. Companies like […]
‘Alternative Plants’ Creates High-quality Cosmetic Compounds from Stem Cells. Insights from Anna Ramata-Stunda, CEO.
Cosmetic companies typically harvest ingredients from wild plants or through conventional agriculture, which can lead to overharvesting and depletion of natural resources. This is particularly problematic for rare or endangered species. Variability in soil quality, climate, and harvesting times can lead to inconsistencies in the quality and potency of extracted ingredients. Furthermore, seasonal climate changes […]
5 Advanced Textile Materials Startups Making Industries Sustainable
The textile industry has long relied on both natural fibers, such as cotton and wool, and synthetic fibers, such as polyester and nylon. These materials are available and cost-effective, but have challenges. Natural fibers often demand intensive water and pesticide use, while synthetic fibers contribute to microplastic pollution and are derived from non-renewable petroleum sources. […]
Carbon offsetting- a greenwashing strategy?
Imagine you’re flying with Delta Air Lines guilt-free, trusting their claims of being a carbon-neutral airline. However, behind the scenes, a lawsuit in California is challenging this very belief! In 2023, Delta Air Lines was sued over its $1 billion carbon neutrality claim, which plaintiffs argued was “false and misleading.” Delta’s ambitious pledge of going […]
5 Startups Working on Bio-based Chemicals and Renewable Feedstock
Petroleum-based feedstocks used predominantly in the chemical industry involve environmentally detrimental and unsustainable processes in the long run. These conventional methods contribute to pollution and a carbon footprint. The availability of these chemicals also depends on finite resources subject to market volatility and geopolitical tensions. The growing environmental concerns and the global push towards sustainability […]
5 Startups Making Ice Cream Healthier & Sustainable in 2024
In the UK alone, the ice cream industry consumes 4.81 billion kWh of electrical energy annually, much of it for refrigeration. Furthermore, commercial refrigerants such as HFC R404A have a high global warming potential. The ice cream industry is overdue for upgrades in health and sustainability. About 10% of all milk produced by US dairy […]