Plasticfri is a Swedish-based startup developing sustainable packaging solutions from agricultural waste, wild plants, non-edible plants, and wood fibers. The company’s innovative approach is setting a new standard by creating a new generation of advanced natural materials beyond plastics. By using waste, residues, and side streams, Plasticfri supports a circular economy and reduces pollution.
Viridis Chemical Company has developed a method for producing renewable ethyl acetate from bioethanol, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional ethyl acetate, typically derived from non-renewable fossil feedstocks such as coal or natural gas. This process uses a solid-state catalyst, enabling the reclamation of constituents at the end of life. During the dehydration of bioethanol, hydrogen gas is generated as a byproduct, contributing to approximately 40% of the energy required for the facility’s operations.
Lubricant base oils constitute approximately 75-90% of commercially formulated lubricants, representing a significant $60 billion market. These oils play a crucial role in various applications, including industrial machinery and vehicles. Traditionally, lubricant base oils have been synthesized from petroleum feedstocks; however, a novel process now uses biobased feedstocks, starting with sugars.
Ginkgo Bioworks is a platform for cell programming, offering comprehensive, end-to-end services that address complex challenges across various industries, including food and agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and industrial chemicals. The company specializes in enzyme engineering, providing tailored solutions such as biocatalysts that replace traditional chemical synthesis steps, enhance enzyme functionality, and reduce manufacturing costs at scale. These innovations empower clients to optimize their R&D projects and improve overall efficiency.
Reflo is a sustainable fashion brand dedicated to transforming waste into high-performance sportswear. By repurposing recycled plastic bottles and coffee grounds, they produce yarns for fabrics that uphold rigorous environmental standards, including Bluesign, Oeko-Tex, U Trust, and Global Recycled Standards. The process involves collecting and washing single-use plastic bottles, which are then melted and spun into lightweight, flexible yarns designed for durability.
Fairbrics, a French startup, is leading the charge in creating sustainable alternatives to traditional textiles. Their innovative process, which involves capturing CO2 from industrial sources and converting it into polyester fabric, is a beacon of hope for the fashion industry. By offering a more eco-friendly alternative, Fairbrics is not just reducing the industry’s reliance on fossil fuels but also inspiring a greener future.
Terpenoil, a Brazilian company, specializes in the production of disinfectants, surface cleaners, air treatments, and chemical specialties derived from plant-based and renewable sources. The company provides a range of products for professional cleaning, odor control, glass treatment, air purification, and household cleaning. Many of these products are available in super-concentrated capsules to minimize plastic use.
Blueview is a footwear company owned by Algenesis, a material science and technology company intended to manufacture renewable and biodegradable plastic material from algae. Blueview footwear is made with Soleic™ Technology, a high-performance, renewable, and fully biodegradable polyurethane plastic made from plants. The process starts with algae oil and other raw materials from the algae growing partners and other biological sources and converting them into bioplastic at the molecular level in the lab.
SixRing™ specializes in converting sustainable biomass into high-value intermediates, fine chemicals, biofuels, and advanced materials using patented chemical compositions and low-energy processes. The technology operates under ambient conditions, efficiently extracting cellulose and Lignin-Hemicellulose-Depolymerized-Organics™ (LHDO™) from biomass. These components can be upgraded to biofuels such as Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), diesel, and gasoline.