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Plantd Transforms Construction Waste into Biochar for Agriculture

Plantd, an American startup specializing in bio-based construction materials made from grasses, is now valorizing a portion of its waste into biochar intended for soil amendment, following a closed-loop production model. Rich in silica, this biochar is presented as capable of improving certain soil properties and helping to reduce fertilization needs.

RevaTerra Raises $1.265 Million to Develop Advanced Bioenergy Materials

RevaTerra, an innovative startup specializing in converting natural residues into advanced bioenergy materials, has recently closed a funding round of $1.265 million. Led by BlueLake.vc, this funding will enable the company to advance its Arcana technology, which transforms agricultural and forestry residues into high-performance pellets, targeting coal power plants for a transition to more sustainable energy sources. The funds will also be used to strengthen the technical team and establish new manufacturing partnerships.

Photovoltaics: A World Record of Over 30% Energy Conversion Efficiency for a Perovskite-Silicon Triple Junction Solar Cell

Kerem Artuk, former member of PVLAB and now R&D engineer in sustainable energy at CSEM (Swiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology), has been honored with the Claude Nicollier Award for his contribution to a perovskite-silicon triple junction solar cell, achieving an energy conversion efficiency exceeding 30%. This project, carried out in collaboration with EPFL (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne) and other partners, marks a significant advancement towards next-generation photovoltaic technologies.

BASF Expands Its Range of Certified Bio-Based Additives to Reduce Carbon Footprint of Paints

The German company BASF has introduced three new certified biomass-based additives for architectural coatings, enabling manufacturers to reduce their carbon footprint while maintaining optimal performance. These products, compliant with the REDcert2 standard, replace fossil raw materials with renewable resources, thus facilitating the adoption of low-emission formulations without the need for reformulation.

"We can provide industries with heat exceeding 900°C": Fenix Energy aims to replace fossil gas in boilers with iron powder

The French start-up Fenix Energy, founded in Lyon, offers an innovative industrial boiler powered by iron powder, capable of delivering heat above 900°C. This process, based on the oxidation of iron particles, generates energy without emitting carbon dioxide, thus providing a sustainable alternative to fossil gas boilers.

Sustainable Construction: French Company Spurgin Expands Prefabricated Wood-Straw Production Capacity

In the context of a transition to sustainable building materials, French company Spurgin announces a four million euro investment for the industrialization of prefabricated wood-straw walls. This project, which includes a new 2500 m² production facility in Reugny, aims to meet the growing demand for bio-based construction solutions and strengthen the company's market position following the acquisition of Activ’Home.

GranBio and Amazon: Towards Sustainable Fuels from Waste

Amazon invests in Brazilian cleantech GranBio to boost the production of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). This pioneer in industrial biotechnology transforms forestry and agricultural residues into 'drop-in' synthetic fuels, identical to petroleum. The 10-year goal: to convert old American pulp mills into advanced biorefineries to scale up supply.

Bioplastics: Lactips Launches Enosis®, a New Generation of Biodegradable Polymers for Agricultural Applications

Brazilian Researchers Develop Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from Medicinal Plant

A Brazilian research team has developed a green synthesis method to produce silver nanoparticles from extracts of Lychnophora ericoides, replacing toxic chemical reagents with plant-derived compounds while preserving the functional properties of the nanoparticles. This advancement in sustainable nanotechnology could transform practices in health, environmental sectors, and potentially agriculture.

Swiss Professor Awarded European Grant for Food Waste to High-Performance Packaging Project

Professor Francesco Stellacci from EPFL (École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne) has been awarded an ERC (European Research Council) grant for his innovative project on multilayer films made from natural proteins, aimed at replacing synthetic plastics. This project addresses sustainability challenges by focusing on developing high-performance materials from food waste, with potential applications in single-use food packaging.