<div>
  <ul>
    <li>
      <p>
        A team of researchers from Johannes Kepler University in Linz, Austria have built a new type of biodegradable electronics named &ldquo;MycelioTronics&rdquo; which uses processed fungal mycelium skins as a biodegradable alternative to traditional substrate material made from un-recycled materials, such as plastic.
      </p>
    </li>
    <li>
      <p>
        This &ldquo;skin&rdquo; is based on fungus (Mycelium) growing naturally on dead hardwood in mild temperate climates and possesses high thermal stability and a flexible shape, allowing the soldering of electronic components and facilitating the fabrication of electronic sensor boards which can withstand over 2,000 bending cycles.
      </p>
    </li>
    <li>
      <p>
        Mycelium can also be used in lower-power batteries as separators as a substitute for polyolefin polymer separators which are difficult to recycle.
      </p>
    </li>
    <li>
      <p>
        Funded by an ERC Starting Grant and the Austrian Research Promotion Agency GmbH, MycelioTronics is believed to have the potential to impact startups around Europe to adopt this more sustainable technology to their products.
      </p>
    </li>
  </ul>
  <p>
  </p>
</div>


<div>
  <p>
    <a href="https://thenextweb.com/news/sustainable-wearables-could-be-powered-by-myceliotronics-mushroom-batteries">
      The Next Web
    </a>
  </p>
  <p>
    <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.add7118">
      Science Advances
    </a>
  </p>
  <p>
  </p>
</div>


Bio-based Materials

Team of researchers from Austria create biodegradable electronics using fungi

PROMINENT_CATEGORY

<div>
 <p>SA-Dynamics, a German startup, has introduced a bio-based aerogel insulation product designed for construction textiles. The product uses bio-based aerogel fibers that encapsulate approximately 90% air, offering insulation equivalent or better than fossil-based materials such as PET, PE, PP, and mineral or stone wool. The firm asserts that its entirely recyclable product utilizes sustainably sourced and certified raw materials.</p>
</div>

SA-Dynamics develops bio-based and recyclable insulation textiles

ANALYST_QUICK_TAKE

INCUMBENTS_PRESENT

<div>
 <p>NatureWorks, a subsidiary of Cargill specializing in sustainable biopolymer manufacturing, and CJ Biomaterials, a subsidiary of CJ CheilJedang and a leading manufacturer of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), have introduced two new PHA-based compounds designed for flexible packaging applications.</p>
 <p>The compounds, a fusion of NatureWorks' Ingeo PLA and CJ’s Phact PHA, are termed Phact CA1270P (clear) and Phact CA1240PF (opaque). These elements have the potential for use in film-related applications like food packaging, shopping bags, and labels. The companies declare that the new compounds possess carbon footprints half the size of those of conventional low-density polyethylene, linear-low density polyethylene, polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyethylene terephthalate (LDPE/PE/PP/PET) solutions typically employed in packaging.</p>
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
</b> The compounds were unveiled as part of the collaboration between the companies launched in <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/10669"> May 2022 </a> . The partners aim to develop high-performance biopolymers for compostable food packaging, food service ware, and personal care, capitalizing on rising consumer demand for alternatives to petroleum-based packaging solutions.</p>

NatureWorks and CJ Biomaterials launch new bio-based compounds for film packaging applications

<div>
 <p>Bcomp, a Swiss company specializing in natural fiber solutions, has successfully raised USD 40 million during its Series C funding round. EGS Beteiligungen AG led the round, with valuable contributions from Verve Ventures, Zürcher Kantonalbank, and RKKVC. Furthermore, previous investors such as Generali, Airbus Ventures, BMW i Ventures, Porsche Ventures, and Volvo Cars Tech Fund reinstated their trust in Bcomp by participating in this latest funding round.</p>
 <p>The raised capital will primarily be used to boost Bcomp's production capacity. The move comes in response to a significant increase in demand for their natural fiber composite-based products in the automotive industry. In addition, the funds will also be allocated to facilitate Bcomp's expansion into promising new markets in Asia and North America.</p>
 
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
</b> The company previously secured ~USD 35 million in Series B funding in <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/9613"> April 2022 </a> to expand operations and strengthen its commercial footprint, and was backed by leading players in the mobility space, including BMW, Volvo, Porsche, and Airbus.</p>

Bcomp raises USD 40 million in Series C funding to expand production capacity

<div>
 <p>A German plastic processing firm, Ensinger, has expanded its product line to include options made from bio-based and recycled materials. This is part of the firm's "Reuse for Tomorrow" campaign, which aims to extend the lifespan of raw materials and decrease greenhouse gas emissions.</p>
 <p>The first line of these products is made using bio-based plastics, derived from the waste products of the wood-processing industry and other organic resources. These are available as plates, rods, and tubes, and possess similar properties to conventional materials. The second alternative materials line incorporates mechanically recycled plastics and production waste, which have varying material properties as compared to virgin materials but offer significant environmental advantages.</p>
 
</div>

Ensinger expands product portfolio with bio-based and reprocessed plastics offerings

<div>
 <p>Finland's Nordic Bioproducts Group (NBG) has teamed up with PTT MCC Biochem from Thailand to create compostable bioplastic products. This collaboration plans to use NBG's innovative cellulosic fibers, compliant with rigid food container safety regulations, in creating Biochem's bioplastic product, BioPBS.</p>
 <p>Their joint objective is to establish an alternative to petroleum-based plastics that offers high performance, with the added benefits of being both biodegradable and home-compostable.</p>
</div>

Nordic Bioproducts Group collaborates with PTT MCC Biochem to develop compostable bioplastics

<div>
 <p>Kari-Out, a foodservice packaging specialist, has introduced what it says is the first completely compostable, plant-based packet in the industry. The company's aim is to reduce environmental harm while maintaining product quality and shelf life.</p>
 <p>The bio-based packets from Kari-Out have received TUV certification and are designed to be composted at home. They are also customizable, making them suitable for various uses, including condiments, sauces, and other items. These packets also provide the option for a transparent or paper exterior, and can be personalized with logos or product details.</p>
 
</div>

Kari-Out launches plant-based, fully compostable packet for foodservice

<div>
 <p>Natural Fiber Welding (NFW), a firm specializing in creating textiles from recycled plants and natural fibers, has recently secured a funding of USD 24.8 million according to an SEC filing.</p>
 <p>NFW plans on utilizing this investment to expedite its product development process and also to broaden its operational reach.</p>
 
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
</b> NFW has been expanding its operations aggressively and scaling up production of its plant-based leather alternative, Mirium. In <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/23138"> October 2023 </a> , the company secured an undisclosed investment from Asahi Kasei to develop Mirium for use in car interiors and an inroad to the Japanese market. In <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/9747"> April 2022 </a> , NFW also raised USD 85 million in Series B funding to expand its Claurus and Mirum platforms and to develop shoes using sustainable materials partnering with major brands.</p>

Natural Fiber Welding raises USD 24.8 million to scale up operations

<div>
 <p>Bpacks, a startup based in Serbia and the UK, has developed a biodegradable plastic substitute composed of waste materials such as tree bark and used coffee grounds. The bioplastic aims to replace petroleum-based plastics, targeting the fresh produce, meat, and cosmetics industries.</p>
 <p>This bioplastic is manufactured and distributed as pellets or sheets, catering to various types of packaging needs while being compatible with existing equipment and moulding processes. Bpack acknowledges that the material is suitable for high-moisture products and is home-compostable, breaking down in moist soil within one to two months.</p>
 <p>Established in 2022, Bpacks claims to have created the world's first tree bark-based bioplastic. It utilises up to 75% of materials sourced from production waste, aiming to reduce CO2 emissions by using pre-owned production equipment.</p>
 
</div>

Bpacks unveils tree bark-based biodegradable bioplastic packaging

<div>
 
 <p>Danimer Scientific, a biopolymer producer, raised USD 15 million via a direct offering of 15 million common shares at USD 1 each. Roth Capital Partners served as the only placement agent.</p>
 <p>The company plans to use the funds for working capital and other corporate needs.</p>
 
</div>

Danimer Scientific raises USD 15 million in direct offering to support operations

<div>
 
 <p>The collaborative initiative, Fashion for Good, has selected 10 new innovators for its 2024 program aimed at creating sustainable fashion products. These innovators will focus on the development of sustainable materials and recycling technologies for textile products. In addition, they will receive mentorship and backing from corporate partners of the program, including well-known brands such as Chanel, Burberry, and Adidas.</p>
 
 <p>The 2024 program will be joined by innovators from various companies, including Algreen Ltd., a company focused on exploring algae and bio-based sources as alternative materials; Balena, specializing in developing biopolymers for footwear outsoles; Epoch Biodesign and Samsara Eco, companies targeting enzymatic recycling of textile waste; as well as Gencrest and Nanollose, both developing sustainable textile fibers, but from different sources – agriculture residues and microbial cellulose, respectively.</p>
 
</div>

All Updates