‘Planting’ rocks in farms could help remove carbon from atmosphere
From American Geophysical Union 17/08/23 Farmers around the world could help the planet reach a key carbon removal goal set by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) by mixing crushed volcanic rocks into their fields, a new study reports. The study also highlights wet, warm tropics as the most promising locations for this climate […]
Sustainable bubble wrap alternative inspired by ancient Japanese art form
By Superinnovators 16/08/23 Scotch™ Brand, a name synonymous with adhesive products, has introduced a new innovation in the packaging industry. The Scotch™ Cushion Lock™ protective wrap is a sustainable alternative to traditional plastic cushion wrap. Made from 100% recycled paper, this product is designed to be easily recycled in curbside bins. The Cushion Lock protective […]
New technique for making plant-based meat more palatable without adding fat
From University of Leeds 16/08/23 One of the biggest obstacles to the uptake of plant-based alternatives to meat is their very dry and astringent feel when they are eaten. Scientists, led by Professor Anwesha Sarkar at the University of Leeds, are revolutionising the sensation of plant proteins, transforming them from a substance that can be […]
Making renewable, infinitely recyclable plastics using bacteria
By DOE/LAWRENCE BERKELEY NATIONAL LABORATORY 04/08/23 Plastic waste is a problem. Most plastics can’t be recycled, and many use finite, polluting petrochemicals as the basic ingredients. But that’s changing. In a study published today in Nature Sustainability, researchers successfully engineered microbes to make biological alternatives for the starting ingredients in an infinitely recyclable plastic known […]
This road is made from plastic waste and old tires
From UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI-COLUMBIA 20/07/23 Millions of roads across the United States are constructed with asphalt pavement that’s deteriorating over time. Now, researchers at the University of Missouri are using recyclables, including plastic waste, as a sustainable solution to fix America’s fracturing road system. In partnership with the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), researchers from […]
New recycling method for 840,000 tonne waste problem that isn’t single-use plastics
From UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY 04/07/2023 It’s estimated that by 2030 carbon and glass fibre composites (CFRP), materials commonly used in wind turbine blades, hydrogen tanks, airplanes, yachts, construction, and car manufacturing, will be a key waste stream worldwide. The annual accumulation of CFRP waste from aircraft and wind turbine industries alone is projected to reach 840,300 […]
SpinLaunch tests NASA and Airbus payloads
By Charles Carter, 12/10/22 US startup SpinLaunch has tested NASA, Airbus, Cornell University and Outpost payloads in the latest flight of their 10,000G electric powered centrifuge launch system. This was the tenth flight test of their 200kg-class satellite launcher, taking place on 27th September, although it was first time partner payloads have been mounted to […]
Lightweight multi-purpose robot tractor
By Charles Carter, 11/10/22 Norwegian startup Autoagri has developed a lightweight, multi-purpose robot tractor that aims to reduce costs, soil compaction and carbon footprint. The company unveiled their IC-Series machine in May last year, taking orders for pilot units for use in agriculture and other sectors in October 2021. How does it work? The IC-Series […]
Sustainable vegan cactus leather
By Charles Carter, 10/10/22 Mexican startup Desserto has created a sustainable vegan leather made from cactus proteins and fibres. As well being a no-slaughter leather, the company claims the nopal cactus needs no irrigation water, is a very efficient natural carbon sink and doesn’t pollute waterways like the conventional leather industry. How does it work? […]