Benjamin Violet’s Post

Sparxell, a startup pioneering sustainable pigments for cosmetics, has secured a substantial £2.5m investment from a diverse group of backers, including L'Oréal. 💡 Key Highlights: 🌱 Since its inception in 2022, Sparxell has been dedicated to pioneering sustainable solutions. They specialize in creating biodegradable and vegan pigments, sourcing raw materials from plant-based cellulose extracted from waste. 🌱 This approach not only mitigates environmental impact but also aligns with the growing consumer demand for ethically sourced products. 🌱 Dr. Benjamin Droguet, Sparxell's CEO, emphasizes the detrimental environmental effects associated with conventional chemical colorants. He underscores the urgency for industry-wide adoption of sustainable alternatives to mitigate these impacts effectively. 🌱 The Circular Innovation Fund, co-founded by L’Oreal, recognized Sparxell's potential and chose to invest. This investment signals a broader industry acknowledgment of Sparxell's innovative approach and its potential to drive positive change across various sectors. #SustainableCosmetics #EcoFriendlyBeauty #GreenTechnology #CircularEconomy #PlantBasedPigments #BiodegradableBeauty #InnovationInCosmetics #ClimateAction #ClimateChange

🚀ACHEMA 2024: What were the highlights? True to myself, I am fashionably late once again reporting on Sustainability news, but at least this one makes up with a lot of interesting innovations to cover! During ACHEMA, held in Frankfurt last June, start-ups showcased in the field sustainable textile dyes, alternatives to microplastics, innovative recycling technologies, and AI-supported applications, placing sustainable chemistry in the front of everyone's minds again! The main aim of these innovations are towards waste reduction, emission lowering, and alignment to ever tightening sustainability standards. ACHEMA 2024 helped these industries get visibility on a global stage. Here are a few examples! 🎻 Vienna Textile Lab Developing biodegradable dyes and pigments from microorganisms, partnering with fashion brands and textile mills to drive sustainable manufacturing. 🥤 BIOWEG Creating bio-based, 100% biodegradable alternatives to fossil chemicals, replacing microplastics with high-quality functional ingredients. 🍼 Mavisol Utilizing AI-powered quality monitoring for PET packaging production, enabling the wider use of recycled PET without compromising quality. ♻ Plastale Presenting solutions for the circular economy, co-exhibiting at the ISC3 booth to connect with global investors and stakeholders. 🌳 Banyan Nation Providing innovative recycling technologies that support a circular economy, showcased at the Innovation Stage. Other innovative start-ups like Energy Robotics GmbH, Coac GmbH, Nextmol, Blueplasma Power, ETB Technologies, FRE Technologies, AllocNow, UniteLabs, and Exomatter also joined in the fray and presented groundbreaking ideas, further advancing sustainable chemistry. Have a look at the article for more insights! #Sutainablewednesday

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐁𝐢𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐮𝐞 𝐓𝐨 𝐇𝐢𝐭 $𝟒𝟓.𝟕𝟐 𝐁𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐁𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟑𝟎♻️, 𝐄𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 Bioplastics are pioneering sustainable solutions by leveraging renewable resources and biodegradability, addressing environmental concerns, and paving the way for eco-friendly alternatives to traditional plastics. The growth of the global bioplastics market is attributed to several factors, such as increasing global awareness of environmental issues and a growing demand for eco-friendly alternatives to traditional plastics. These bioplastics, categorized into biodegradable and non-biodegradable types, are made from renewable resources, making them a more sustainable choice. Government regulations promoting bioplastics usage, rising consumer consciousness regarding environmental concerns, and increased application across various industries are expected to contribute to this growth. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐧𝐞𝐰? 🤔 In March 2024, TotalEnergies Corbion and Sulapac Ltd partnered to spearhead the integration of recycled and biodegradable materials into cosmetic products, marking a significant milestone in the industry's sustainability efforts. 𝐖𝐡𝐨’𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐭? 🤔 Key players in the global bioplastics market include NatureWorks LLC, Novamont S.p.A., Braskem S.A., Arkema S.A., TotalEnergies Corbion SE, Corbion N.V., Mitsubishi Corporation Chemical , Evonik Industries AG, bioMérieux Technologies plc, and BASF SE. 𝐓𝐨 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐝𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬, 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭: https://lnkd.in/dj8t_vir #bioplastics #sustainablematerials #ecofriendly #greentechnology #biobased #circulareconomy #plasticalternatives #renewableresources #environmentalsustainability #biodegradable #markettrends2024  #businessintelligence #business #leadership  #entrepreneur  #entrepreneurship #innovation  #technology #digitaltransformation  #career  #marketing  #success

Gaia Growth Solutions distinguishes itself in the industrial hemp and biodegradable materials market through several unique aspects: 1. Extensive Network of Farmers: Gaia Growth Solutions collaborates with over 2,000 farmers across various regions. This extensive network allows for the large-scale cultivation of hemp, ensuring a steady and reliable supply of biodegradable materials. This diverse geographic spread of farmers not only supports consistent production but also contributes to the sustainability and environmental friendliness of their operations. 2. Capability to Deliver at Scale: The company's capacity to deliver products at scale is a significant differentiator. This ability is crucial in meeting the demands of a growing market and ensures that they can cater to both large and small orders efficiently. 3. Strong Distribution Partnerships: Gaia has forged strategic distribution partnerships that facilitate their growth in different regions within the country. These partnerships are key in enhancing their market reach and presence, enabling them to deliver products more effectively across various locations. 4. 70% Black Ownership and Commitment to a Movement: Gaia is proudly 70% black-owned, reflecting its commitment to diversity and empowerment. This ownership structure underlines the company's dedication to driving positive social change and supporting minority communities. 5. Competitive Pricing and Bulk Discounts: Gaia offers competitively priced products with the option of bulk discounts. This pricing strategy makes their products accessible to a wider range of customers, from small businesses to large corporations, enhancing their market appeal. 6. Exceptional Service and Industry Drive: The company prides itself on its exceptional service, which is second only to its will to push the industry forward. Gaia's commitment to customer satisfaction and industry innovation places them at the forefront of the biodegradable materials market. 7. Focus on Industry Growth and Sustainability: Gaia is not just a business; it's part of a larger movement towards sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. Their focus on biodegradable materials aligns with global efforts to reduce carbon footprint and promote ecological balance. In summary, Gaia Growth Solutions stands out for its extensive farmer network, ability to deliver at scale, strategic distribution partnerships, commitment to diversity and social movement, competitive pricing, exceptional service, and dedication to sustainability and industry growth. John Brooks Gaia Growth Solutions Chief Executive Officer jbrooks@gaiagrowthsolutions.com (708) 571-9782 https://lnkd.in/gj8yaW_u

🚀 Successful Pilot Project: A Breakthrough - Bioplastics Production from Waste Fabric 🌱 We are thrilled to announce a major milestone in our journey toward a sustainable economy! In collaboration with The Biomimicry Institute, Circle Economy, BioFashionTech, TNO, Erdotex Group, supported by the Laudes Foundation, EV Biotech has successfully completed a pilot project that demonstrates the potential of converting mixed textile waste into valuable bioplastics, proving the efficacy of cutting-edge biotechnology.  At BioFashionTech, we have created an enzymatic hydrolysis process to break down cellulose from textile waste, transforming it into glucose—Glucose is a key feedstock for producing #PHA, a biodegradable polymer. EV Biotech has proven that this complex glucose waste stream can successfully be utilized by both natural and EV Biotech's engineered PHA-producing microbes to produce this Bioplastic. This innovation not only diverts waste from landfills or incineration which is environmentally harmful, so it's not only creating a new revenue stream but also reducing a 'pollution stream' for industries grappling with unsellable waste. Find the summary of the project here: https://lnkd.in/epypkmWk This pilot not only underscores our commitment to driving the bioeconomy forward but also provides a compelling proof point for the potential and viability of our technology. As we look ahead, we're excited to expand these efforts, partnering with innovators in biomaterials to further refine and deploy sustainable solutions. 🔬 Key Takeaways: Cost-Effective Recycling: Transforming waste from a cost center to a profit center. Biocompatible Outputs: PHA production from waste-derived glucose. Sustainability at Scale: Proven pathways for large-scale bioplastic production. This success is just the beginning. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to innovate and lead in the sustainable biotechnological revolution! 🌍 If you’re passionate about sustainability and interested in collaborating, let’s connect! Together, we can drive meaningful change and create a better future for fashion. Link - https://lnkd.in/epypkmWk #SustainableFashion #TextileIndustry #CircularEconomy #InnovativeStartup #BioFashionTech #GreenTech #CircularEconomy #UpcycledTextiles #BioTech #Bioplastics #WasteToValue

I share some thoughts about biomaterials and greenwashing in this opinion piece for Dezeen. Most of the writing I do sits behind a paywall, so this has been a nice opportunity for me to share my work publicly. Feel free to chip in with your thoughts about the pros and cons of the biomaterials industry. #cmf #biomaterials #bioplastic #compostablepackaging #greenwashing #sustainability #circulardesign #dezeen

SCHOTT launches pilot projects on glass-ceramics and specialty glass for a more circular economy - Technology Group launches pilot projects on recycling cooktop panels and pharmaceutical packaging - The circular economy a joint challenge for policymakers and the specialty glass industry - Vision: To reintegrate more used products into the production process in an ecologically and economically sensible way The ambitious goal of becoming the world’s first climate-neutral specialty glass manufacturer by 2030 is being followed by the next mission: SCHOTT also wants to lead the way as a pioneer in the transition to a circular economy. The technology Group has launched its first recycling projects in order to gain important experience. Together with pilot customers and partners,SCHOTT is systematically exploring ways to return used glass-ceramic cooktop panels and pharmaceutical packaging to the production of new products. Besides the technical challenges, it is primarily the lack of a legal framework that stands in the way of a circular economy. Up until now, there have been no special regulations that allow specialty glass to be collected by type. SCHOTT is taking the lead in this area and would first like to provide technical proof with the pilot projects: The recycling of used materials would also be possible on a large scale.“ SCHOTT is continuing its transformation into a sustainable company. That is why we have now launched our first projects to enter the circular economy. https://lnkd.in/dtu-ZAnz

L’Oréal anchor investor as Sparxell raises £2.5m for plant-based colourants. Sparxell was founded in 2022 by Cambridge scientists, led by Dr Benjamin Droguet and Professor Silvia Vignolini, who discovered ways to replicate vibrant colours in nature using fully plant-based cellulose, a renewable, biodegradable resource that can be extracted from waste streams. The greentech company, “inspired by nature”, has “unlocked an elemental colour code to create visually stunning, fade-resistant, biodegradable products redefining how natural colours are perceived”. Sparxell’s biodegradable pigments use the self-assembly properties of cellulose nanocrystals to create helix-like structures that reflect light more effectively than traditional products. Cellulose is the material many plants and animals use to produce vivid, durable, and fade-resistant colourants. The products are toxin-free and fully biodegradable, with a colour intensity that lasts longer than traditional colourants and pigments on the market. The cellulose the pigments are made from is one of the most abundant materials on Earth and found in trees and crops all over the world, and can even be extracted from agricultural by-products, removing all health, ethical and environmental concerns inherent in other products. Dr Droguet said: “Our plant-based materials can be grown and sourced locally in a complete rethink of how colours are currently being manufactured while reducing transport emissions.” Market opportunities await in fashion, beauty, packaging and paint. The journey has started! Good luck. #plant #colorants #agricultural #toxin-free #cellulose #familyoffices '

Sustainable Manufacturing: The Future of Biomaterials in Reducing GreenHouse Emissions up to 80 Percent https://lnkd.in/gE_-Pb6P #SustainableManufacturing #Biomaterials #GreenTechnology #ClimateAction #ReduceEmissions #GreenFuture

Sustainable Manufacturing: The Future of Biomaterials in Reducing GreenHouse Emissions up to 80 Percent https://lnkd.in/gE_-Pb6P #SustainableManufacturing #Biomaterials #GreenTechnology #ClimateAction #ReduceEmissions #GreenFuture