Innovative Materials: AI-assisted international press reviewPress review

EPFL Explores Wood Fiber-Based Bioplastics to Replace Plastic

Researchers at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne are developing bioplastics from wood fibers to replace conventional plastics. While promising, these more robust and biodegradable alternatives must overcome economic and technical hurdles before large-scale adoption. Biopolymers, such as those derived from mycelium, could transform the industry but require a complete overhaul of current production methods.

Source: Epfl, published under the title "Can plastic be replaced? Solutions? Yes. Miracle? No." - 25 February 2026

Sustainable Greenhouses: Engineering and Material Quality as Performance Keys

QUEBEC. According to Harnois, a specialist in greenhouse infrastructure, the longevity and performance of projects depend on the quality of materials, engineering tailored to local contexts, and long-term support. An integrated approach, combining custom design and regulatory expertise, also helps mitigate risks for producers, especially during installation phases.

SEPEHR ACHARD, Source: Igronews, published under the title "Christopher McIntosh on Quality, Service, and Long-Term Thin..." - 2 February 2026

Chomarat Strengthens Its Position in Composite Materials with CTMI Acquisition

The Ardèche-based family group Chomarat, specialized in technical fabrics, announces the acquisition of CTMI, a key player in composite textiles. This move is part of a growth strategy and the industrialization of bio-based materials.

Houda El Boudrari, Source: Cfnews, published under the title "Chomarat se renforce dans les matériaux composites" - 20 January 2026

SafeWax: A Plant-Inspired Coating to Drastically Reduce Pesticide Use

Developed by researchers at the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, the SafeWax technology relies on a biodegradable coating that can reduce pesticide use by over 50%. By forming a protective barrier inspired by the natural cuticle of plants, it blocks the germination of fungal spores while preserving photosynthesis. Successfully tested on several crops, this agritech innovation opens promising prospects, despite ongoing challenges related to cost and industrial scaling.

Source: Agropages, published under the title "Israeli researchers develop SafeWax coating that could cut p..." - 19 January 2026

Mushrooms as a Sustainable Alternative to Leather and Plastic

In the face of growing environmental challenges, innovation in the biomaterials sector is gaining momentum. Mushrooms, with their unique properties, are emerging as a promising solution to replace leather and plastic. This approach could transform production chains, reduce carbon footprints, and meet the increasing demand for sustainable materials across various sectors, including fashion and packaging.

Le Journal de 20h, Source: Franceinfo, published under the title "Des champignons pour remplacer le cuir et le plastique" - 16 January 2026

Monomeris Chemicals Disrupts Agricultural Plastic Recycling

The French startup Monomeris Chemicals is revolutionizing the recycling of multi-resin plastics with a patented depolymerization technology. By developing an innovative business model, the company aims to valorize orphan plastic waste, often overlooked, and reduce their environmental impact within a circular economy framework.

Source: Actu Environnement, published under the title "Quand l'art de fondre les sels minéraux ouvre la voie au rec..." - 15 January 2026

Priva and Blue Radix: Partnership for Autonomous Greenhouse Cultivation Solutions

Priva and Blue Radix announce a strategic partnership to integrate artificial intelligence solutions into greenhouse cultivation operations. This collaboration aims to address the growing demand for automation in light of the shortage of skilled growers, while enabling producers to maximize their operational efficiency and adapt to market fluctuations. Approximately 100 greenhouses in 17 countries are already adopting this technology, which allows for autonomous climate and irrigation management.

SEPEHR ACHARD, Source: Igronews, published under the title "Priva and Blue Radix Partner to Enhance AI-Driven Growing So..." - 12 January 2026

Recycling Waste to Produce Green Cement

Etex (Belgium) and Heidelberg Materials (Germany) have developed a process to produce cement from fiber cement waste, coupled with a carbon capture, storage, and valorization operation. This represents a significant advancement towards reducing emissions and enhancing material circularity.

Franck Stassi, Source: Usine Nouvelle, published under the title "En Belgique, ces entreprises veulent produire du ciment avec..." - 5 November 2025

New Developments in Industrial Decontamination:

A Mn-Co/HZSM-5 catalyst combined with non-thermal plasma eliminates 100% of chlorobenzene, boosts CO2 selectivity to 51.90%, and removes NO2 and O3 emissions, providing new solutions for treating volatile organic compounds and protecting the environment.

Source: Springer, published under the title "Mechanism study on chlorobenzene degradation by non-thermal ..." - 27 October 2025

Oeneo Innovates with More Accessible and Affordable Barrels

Oeneo is revolutionizing cooperage with its Twood barrels: innovative staves made from less noble wood, a rethought manufacturing process, and an average price reduction of 30%, making excellence accessible to wine professionals. This groundbreaking approach from the Charente-based group (1,000 employees, €305.1 million in revenue in 2024) could transform the wine industry.

Franck Stassi, Source: Usine Nouvelle, published under the title "Pour ses nouvelles barriques, Oeneo change de procédé et rec..." - 26 October 2025