Blog by WenZi

Entering the fashion world, how can a bacterial cellulose leather company commercialize it?

Initially inspired by the potential of mycelium as an alternative material, Mexican brothers AlexisGómez-Ortigoza and Axel Gómez-Ortigoza Aguirre decided to start their own business. 

The brothers founded Polybion (from the Greek and Latin words meaning an entity capable of developing multiple t...

WenZi
04.01.25 03:07 AM - Comment(s)
Honda Honda uses bio-based plastics for motorcycle bodywork and windshields

Honda has adopted Mitsubishi Chemical Group's (MCG Group) bio-based engineering plastic, DURABIO™, for the tinted body and windshield of its X-ADV motorcycle, which will be sold from December 12, 2024 in Japan. 

In addition to providing the toughness and other properties required for motorcycle ...

WenZi
03.01.25 03:05 AM - Comment(s)
U.S. Plastics Pact Calls for Packaging 'Urgent Action' to Increase Recycled Content

On December 18, U.S. Plastics Pact (U.S. Plastics Pact) released its 2023-2024 Impact Report, which highlights significant advances in the circular economy for plastics, while calling for greater collaboration across industries, governments, and consumers, and emphasizing the importance of unifying ...

WenZi
03.01.25 03:03 AM - Comment(s)
Starbucks degradable straws, made of vegetable oil, are so much more colorful!

On December 6, Starbucks launched new biodegradable plant-based straws in its stores in Japan, and starting in March 2025, they will be available in Starbucks stores across Japan. This is another important move in support of the company's environmental commitment to actively utilize resources and it...

WenZi
02.01.25 03:01 AM - Comment(s)
California becomes the pioneer of “anti-plastic”! 2024 Plastic Restriction Policy List

In 2024, more and more states and cities in the U.S., from the East Coast to the West Coast, are phasing out plastic. 

CALIFORNIA: Possibly in the vanguard of the anti-plastic movement, a second plastic bag ban was enacted in November to close a loophole in the state's first such 2014 law. The p...

WenZi
01.01.25 02:58 AM - Comment(s)
New Japanese plastic that's strong and durable, and ocean degradable!

Researchers led by Professor Takuzo Aida of the Center for Advanced Materials Science (CEMS) at the RIKEN Research Institute in Saitama, Japan, have developed a durable plastic that does not contribute to microplastic pollution in the ocean. 

The new material is as strong and biodegradable as tr...

WenZi
01.01.25 02:55 AM - Comment(s)
The UAE built a 160,000-ton PLA plant with an investment of $5.8 billion!

Dec. 10 (Bloomberg) -- Emirates Biotech has selected Sulzer of Switzerland as the technology provider for its upcoming polylactic acid (PLA) production plant in the UAE. 

The plant, with a total investment of about $800 million (RMB 5.8 billion), will be built in two phases, each with a capacity...

WenZi
31.12.24 02:53 AM - Comment(s)
Two giants sign up to develop bio-based polyester PEF packaging materials

Am cor, a global packaging solutions provider, recently entered into a strategic partnership agreement with Colon Industries of Korea to develop and commercialize more sustainable polyester materials for use in Aramco's flexible packaging business. The collaboration will focus on rese...

WenZi
31.12.24 02:51 AM - Comment(s)
BASF, Costco, get in on this bio-based material

On December 9, Restriction announced that it has teamed up again with global building materials distributor Selena Group Poland to launch an innovative product, Ty-tan Professional® bricklaying adhesive, which is made with Restriction's bio-based MDI (methamphetamine dissociate) ...

WenZi
30.12.24 02:49 AM - Comment(s)
Starbucks Japan Announces Biobased Plastic Straws for January 2025

Starbucks changed the straw material from petroleum-based plastic to paper straws in January 2020, but decided to replace them with bioplastic straws due to feedback from some customers that the straws “tend to soften with prolonged use,” “affecting the taste of the drink,” and other issues. 

On...

WenZi
30.12.24 02:45 AM - Comment(s)