<div>
  <ul>
    <li>
      <p>
        Ecovative Design, a producer of packaging materials using mycelium-based fungus, has launched Forager, a new division for the designing, marketing, and manufacturing of its mycelium-based leather products for the fashion and automotive industries. Forager is expected to be unveiled at the Materials Innovation Initiative Conference in May this year.
      </p>
    </li>
  </ul>
  <ul>
    <li>
      <p>
        The new division will produce hides and foams at a commercial scale under the Forager brand leveraging Ecovative&rsquo;s AirMycelium technology. Forager&rsquo;s mycelium-based products are biodegradable, compostable, and can be customized (in terms of density, strength, etc.) to meet the standards and requirements of the fashion and automotive industry.&nbsp;&nbsp;
      </p>
    </li>
  </ul>
  <p>
    &lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Forager expects to secure partnerships with leading brands as a part of the 
    <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/7392">
      Fashion for Good Cooperative initiative
    </a>
    , offering mycelium hides and foams necessary for the development of sustainable products.&lt;/ul&gt;
  </p>
  <p>
    &lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;
    <b>Analyst QuickTake: </b>
    The launch of Forager comes amidst Ecovative&rsquo;s increasing focus on deploying its new mycelium leather product across a variety of end products and consumer applications such as clothing, footwear, and fashion accessories. On the road toward this goal, Ecovative Design also unveiled its new 100,000 lb/year mycelium production platform 
    <a href="https://sp-edge.com/sectors/sustainability/updates/3303">
      last year
    </a>
    . Apart from Forager, Ecovative operates three other divisions: MycoFlex (mycelium foam), MycoComposite (that converts agricultural byproducts), and Atlast Food Co. (it&rsquo;s plant-based meat division).&lt;/ul&gt;
  </p>
</div>


<div>
  <p>
    <a href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220126005322/en/Mycelium-Materials-Company-Ecovative-Launches-Forager-to-Develop-Mushroom-Leather-Products-and-Soft-Goods">
      <b>Press Release</b>
    </a>
  </p>
</div>


Bio-based Materials

Ecovative Design dedicates new business division to mycelium-based products

<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

PROMINENT_CATEGORY

<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

ANALYST_QUICK_TAKE

<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>

Fashion for Good selects 10 innovators for 2024 sustainability program

INCUMBENTS_PRESENT

<div>
 <p>Dow, a leader in material sciences, has launched two new forms of propylene glycol (PG) known as Propylene Glycol CIR and Propylene Glycol REN in North America.</p>
 <p>Propylene Glycol CIR features Renuva recycled content, which aids in recycling post-consumer and post-industrial waste into sustainable feedstocks. Propylene Glycol REN employs Ecolibrium bio-circular technology, facilitating the reduced use of fossil fuel-based feedstocks.</p>
</div>

Dow introduces two new sustainable varieties of propylene glycol solutions

<div>
 <p>Finnish sustainable textile fiber producer, Spinnova, has entered into a letter of intent (LOI) with Brazilian company Suzano, known for producing eucalyptus-based paper and pulp. They plan on building a new production facility for Spinnova wood-based fiber.</p>
 <p>The new mill will be owned and operated by Suzano, with Spinnova providing the required technology for fiber production. The new plant, located near a current Suzano pulp mill, intends to have an annual output of 20,000 tons of fiber.</p>
 <p>The facility's pre-engineering phase is projected to begin in 2H 2024, with Suzano tasked with securing the requisite financing to build the new facility.</p>
</div>

Spinnova partners with Suzano for wood-based fiber production facility

<div>
 <p>UK vegan leather developer Biophilica is collaborating with paper, packaging and pulp producer Sappi North America to launch Treekind, a completely plastic-free leather alternative made from leaf waste. This innovation uses Sappi's leather grain textured release papers.</p>
 <p>Furthermore, Biophilica plans to investigate additional finishes and textures provided by Sappi, including glossy and matte. This could potentially lead to the development of a premium product range.</p>
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
</b> Treekind is claimed to be one of the only plastic-free leather alternatives that is 100% bio-based and home-compostable. Biophilica has been working with Sappi North America since 2022 to apply Sappi's Ultracast Viva release paper to replace the plastic coating commonly used in vegan leather, giving the material a realistic look and feel.</p>

Biophilica partners with Sappi North America to launch plastic-free leather alternative

<div>
 <p>Allbirds, a sustainable footwear and apparel company, has established two international distribution agreements targeting Australasia and Japan. Starting from June 1, 2024, Goldwin will be the exclusive distributor for Allbirds in Japan. Similarly, from July 1, 2024, Compendium group will take up distribution responsibilities in Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands.</p>
</div>

All Updates