Latest news with #eco-friendly
South China Morning Post
11 hours ago
- Science
- South China Morning Post
Chinese scientists create edible fruit coating that ‘more than doubles' shelf life
Chinese scientists have developed an edible, washable protein-based coating that can extend the shelf life of fruits by 2½ times, by reducing moisture loss and microbial growth. Advertisement The low-cost coating was tested across 17 varieties of whole and cut fruits, including strawberry, tomato, kiwi and mango. It was shown to effectively delay rot by almost a week or more, at a cost of just 9 US cents per kilogram of fruit, according to a recent paper in the peer-reviewed journal Nature Communications. The new strategy is as effective as existing preservation methods but reduces carbon dioxide emissions and the potential for toxicity, offering a promising solution to a major factor in global food waste 'Addressing critical challenges in perishable fruit preservation…we present an eco-friendly amyloid-like protein coating strategy developed through computer-aided molecular simulation,' the team led by researchers at Shaanxi Normal University said in their paper published on May 31. 'With edible properties, easy washability, and low cost, the coating demonstrates universal applicability for post-harvest and fresh-cut fruits.' Advertisement Around a third of all food produced globally is wasted, most of it perishable items like fruits and vegetables.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Biodegradable Microbeads Markets 2024-2035: Biobased Microbeads Market Accelerates Amid Regulatory Bans and Rising Demand for Eco-Friendly Alternatives
The biobased microbeads market is rapidly expanding, driven by environmental regulations and rising consumer demand for eco-friendly alternatives. Derived from renewable sources like plant cellulose and biodegradable polymers, these microbeads are gaining traction following bans on plastic microbeads in countries such as the US, Canada, and the UK. Key applications include personal care, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture. Despite challenges like higher production costs, scaling, and supply chain development, the landscape is promising with double-digit growth projected. As environmental regulations tighten across regions, opportunities for biobased alternatives are set to expand in sectors like agriculture, paints, and even emerging fields such as 3D printing and food packaging. Dublin, June 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "The Global Market for Biodegradable Microbeads 2024-2035" report has been added to offering. The Global Market for Biobased Microbeads: Market Report 2026-2036 provides critical insights into the rapidly evolving landscape of biobased microbeads from 2026 to 2036, analyzing market drivers, technological innovations, application segments, and competitive dynamics across multiple industries. Market segmentation analysis reveals significant opportunities across multiple application areas, with personal care and cosmetics leading adoption rates due to regulatory pressure and consumer demand. The market for biobased microbeads represents a rapidly evolving segment within the broader sustainable materials industry, driven by increasing environmental regulations and consumer demand for eco-friendly alternatives to conventional plastic microbeads. These microscopic spherical particles, typically ranging from 1 to 1000 micrometers in diameter, are derived from renewable biological sources such as plant cellulose, algae, agricultural waste, and biodegradable polymers. The global biobased microbeads market has experienced significant growth following regulatory restrictions on synthetic plastic microbeads in personal care products. The agricultural and horticultural sectors present substantial growth potential for controlled-release applications, while paints and coatings, soap and detergents, oil and gas, and medical products offer diverse market entry points. Emerging applications in 3D printing, textiles, and food packaging represent future growth vectors for innovative market participants. Manufacturing technologies and processes continue to evolve, with advances in melt processing, extrusion techniques, solvent-based production methods, and emulsion and spray-drying technologies enabling improved quality control and particle size distribution. These technological developments directly impact cost competitiveness and market penetration potential across various application segments. Countries including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and several EU nations have implemented bans on plastic microbeads in rinse-off cosmetics due to their environmental persistence and potential harm to marine ecosystems. This regulatory landscape has created substantial opportunities for biobased alternatives that offer similar functional properties while maintaining biodegradability. The biobased microbeads market encompasses a diverse range of natural materials and biodegradable polymers, each offering unique performance characteristics and application potential. From polysaccharides like starch, cellulose, and chitin to proteins including collagen and casein, the material landscape continues to expand with innovations in polyesters such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) and polylactic acid (PLA). Additionally, emerging materials like lignin and alginate present new opportunities for specialized applications across industries. Key applications for biobased microbeads span multiple industries, with personal care and cosmetics representing the largest market segment. These products serve as gentle exfoliants in facial scrubs, body washes, and toothpaste, providing the tactile and aesthetic properties consumers expect while addressing environmental concerns. Beyond personal care, biobased microbeads find applications in pharmaceuticals as drug delivery systems, in agriculture as controlled-release fertilizer carriers, and in industrial processes as biodegradable abrasives. The competitive landscape features a mix of established chemical companies and innovative startups developing novel biobased solutions. Major players include companies producing cellulose-based microbeads from wood pulp and cotton, while emerging technologies focus on algae-derived particles and agricultural waste conversion. Manufacturing processes typically involve controlled precipitation, spray drying, or specialized polymerization techniques to achieve desired particle size distributions and functional properties. Market growth drivers include strengthening environmental regulations, corporate sustainability commitments, and growing consumer awareness of microplastic pollution. The beauty and personal care industry's shift toward "clean" formulations has particularly accelerated adoption. Additionally, technological advances have improved the performance characteristics of biobased microbeads, addressing early concerns about effectiveness and shelf stability. However, the market faces several challenges. Production costs for biobased alternatives typically exceed those of conventional plastic microbeads, though this gap is narrowing with scale and technological improvements. Supply chain development remains a consideration, as consistent quality and reliable sourcing of raw materials require ongoing investment. Additionally, biodegradation rates and environmental fate studies continue to be areas of active research and regulatory scrutiny. Regional market dynamics vary significantly, with Europe leading in both regulatory pressure and market adoption, followed by North America. Asia-Pacific markets show growing interest, particularly in countries implementing stricter environmental standards. The market structure includes both direct replacement of existing plastic microbeads and development of new applications leveraging unique properties of biobased alternatives. The market prospects appear robust, supported by expanding regulatory frameworks, increasing corporate environmental commitments, and continued innovation in raw materials and processing technologies. Industry analysts project sustained double-digit growth rates through the next decade, with market expansion driven by both regulatory compliance and voluntary adoption of sustainable alternatives across diverse applications. Report contents include: Regulatory Landscape Analysis: Comprehensive examination of microplastics legislation across major markets including REACH compliance, US federal regulations, Canadian restrictions, Australian guidelines, and emerging Asian regulatory frameworks Material Technology Assessment: Detailed evaluation of natural hard materials, polysaccharides (starch, cellulose variants, chitin), proteins (collagen, gelatin, casein), polyesters (PHA, PLA), and other natural polymers (lignin, alginate) Manufacturing Process Innovation: Analysis of melt processing, extrusion techniques, solvent-based production, emulsion technologies, spray-drying methods, and quality control systems Market Penetration Barriers: Identification of technical limitations, cost competitiveness challenges, supply chain constraints, and regulatory compliance requirements Application Market Sizing: Quantitative analysis of microplastics volumes across personal care (2024-2036), cosmetics, agriculture and horticulture, paints and coatings, soap and detergents, oil and gas, and medical products Regional Market Dynamics: Geographic analysis covering North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and emerging markets with volume projections in metric tons Competitive Intelligence: Comprehensive profiles of 40 leading companies developing biobased microbead technologies and commercial solutions. Companies profiled include Environmental Impact Assessment: Analysis of marine pollution mitigation, toxicological effects reduction, and human health implications Price Elasticity and Cost Analysis: Economic modeling of market adoption rates, price sensitivity, and cost-competitiveness factors Technology Readiness Assessment: Evaluation of commercialization timelines, market readiness levels, and adoption barriers across different application segments SWOT Analysis Framework: Systematic assessment of market strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats affecting industry development Emerging Applications: Forward-looking analysis of 3D printing, textile applications, and food packaging opportunities Key Topics Covered: 1 THE MICROPLASTICS MARKET1.1 Microplastics added to products1.1.1 Classification1.1.2 Function and applications1.2 Microplastics legislation1.2.1 REACH1.2.2 United States1.2.3 Canada1.2.4 Australia1.2.5 Asia1.3 Environmental Impact Assessment1.3.1 Marine pollution and microplastic accumulation1.3.2 Toxicological effects on marine life1.3.3 Human health implications 2 BIOBASED MICROBEADS MATERIALS2.1 Use as an alternative to microplastics2.2 Biodegradation mechanisms and timeframes2.3 Natural hard materials2.4 Natural polymers2.4.1 Polysaccharides2.4.1.1 Starch2.4.1.2 Cellulose2.4.1.2.1 Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC)2.4.1.2.2 Regenerated cellulose microspheres2.4.1.2.3 Cellulose nanocrystals2.4.1.2.4 Bacterial nanocellulose (BNC)2.4.1.3 Chitin2.4.2 Proteins2.4.2.1 Collagen/Gelatin2.4.2.2 Casein2.4.3 Polyesters2.4.3.1 Polyhydroxyalkanoates2.4.3.2 Polylactic acid2.4.4 Other natural polymers2.4.4.1 Lignin2.4.4.2 Alginate2.5 Manufacturing Technologies and Processes2.5.1 Melt processing and extrusion techniques2.5.2 Solvent-based production methods2.5.3 Emulsion and spray-drying technologies2.5.4 Quality control and particle size distribution2.6 Regulatory Framework and Standards2.6.1 Biodegradability testing standards (ASTM, ISO)2.6.2 Food contact and cosmetic safety regulations2.6.3 International certification programs 3 MARKETS FOR BIOBASED MICROBEADS3.1 Alternatives to microplastics (1-50?m), by application and market3.2 Likelihood of market penetration of natural microplastic alternatives, by market3.2.1 Market penetration barriers and challenges3.2.2 Adoption timeline and market readiness assessment3.3 Personal care3.3.1 Market overview3.3.2 Applications3.3.3 Brand adoption case studies3.3.4 Consumer acceptance and willingness to pay3.3.5 Total quantity of microplastics present 2024-2036 (MT), by scale3.4 Cosmetics3.5 Agriculture and horticulture3.6 Paints & coatings3.7 Soap, detergents and maintenance products3.8 Oil and gas3.9 Medical products3.10 Emerging Applications3.10.1 3D printing and additive manufacturing3.10.2 Textile and fibre3.10.3 Food packaging and biodegradable films3.11 Market value analysis3.12 Price elasticity and cost-competitiveness analysis 4 GLOBAL MARKET SIZE4.1 Primary microparticles (volume in Metric Tons)4.2 Biobased microbeads (MT) 5 SWOT ANALYSIS AND MARKET CHALLENGES5.1 Strengths of biobased microbeads5.2 Weaknesses and technical limitations5.3 Market opportunities and growth drivers5.4 Threats and market risks5.5 Critical success factors for market penetration 6 PRODUCER PROFILES (40 company profiles) 7 REPORT METHODOLOGY 8 REFERENCES For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
The Independent
4 days ago
- General
- The Independent
I've switched to a plant-based electric toothbrush and will never look back
Suri's sustainability While the heads are plant-based, the body of the Suri electric toothbrush is made from aluminium and is designed to be easily opened, recycled, repaired and reused by the brand when it reaches the end of its life. The green credentials are a little less clear cut here – aluminium and batteries still come with an environmental cost – but Suri's choice of materials is undoubtedly better for the world than an endless parade of plastic, not least because the body of the brush will last many years before it needs replacing. It's also worth noting the neat and recycled cardboard packaging the Suri electric toothbrush comes in. Even the freepost envelope to send your expired brush heads back to them is recyclable. There's a real thoughtfulness to every stage of the design process – and even though you might not fully reverse climate change and unmelt the ice caps, you can at least feel smug enough to tut at anyone still using a regular plastic brush. Of course, Suri's efforts to make the planet a bit less rubbish would be pointless if the electric toothbrush wasn't up to scratch. Thankfully, it is. The Suri electric toothbrush appears in my round-up of the best electric toothbrushes, not just for its noble mission to reduce plastic waste or its looks, but for its practicality, sleek accessories, simple operation and great all-round cleaning power. The Suri is such an appealing electric toothbrush beyond its feel-good sustainability credentials, that I might still have included it if manufacturing one brush required burning down an acre of the Amazon rainforest. Suri toothbrush design and accessories The Suri electric toothbrush is a handsome-looking thing. While the choice of plant-based materials like corn starch suggests that it might melt in your mouth, the brush heads have the tough and durable feel of regular matte plastic, and the medium-soft bristles are comfortable for sensitive teeth and gums. The material is lightly flecked to give it a stone-like finish that looks lovely, as though it's been carved from rock – a design choice that flows over into the USB pebble charger and optional travel case. My preference is for a slightly smaller brush head to really attack those back molars. Suri's is medium-sized with a relatively chunky head, which takes a little bit more care and dexterity to ensure you're cleaning everywhere. The aluminium body is thin and has a bit of heft to it, but feels good in the hand with a soft matte finish that's easy to grip. The optional travel case (£25, is worth the extra £25. It's the slimmest travel case I've seen and includes a UV-C light designed to destroy 99.9 per cent of bacteria on the bristles in under a minute. I'm not entirely sold on the health benefits of blasting things with weak UV rays – my Larq water bottle (£89, does the same – but it's a nice bonus to have on an otherwise beautiful little toothbrush case. I also like that the case doesn't light up when charging with the USB-C cable. It's a small detail – and also means Suri gets away with not adding a light where they didn't need to – but it's something anyone who struggles to sleep in a room with an LED will appreciate. While you can charge using the travel case, the brush comes with a neat charging stand as standard. It continues the sharp and minimalist, stone aesthetic, and uses a USB-A cable, so you'll need an adapter to connect it to a bathroom socket. The brush can stand upright without the charger, but it has a more rounded base than most other toothbrushes. If you're a klutz like me, the Suri is prone to taking a nosedive into the sink, or somewhere worse. Included with the Suri is a mirror mount shaped like a worry stone, which sticks to a mirror or tile using adhesive and will hold the brush in place magnetically. It can only be stuck somewhere once, and I'm too much of a coward to make that kind of commitment, but the mount is a nice enough-looking object that it won't look out of place in your bathroom. Suri's electric toothbrush learning power and features One-button operation takes the needless complexity out of brushing your teeth, a refreshing contrast to more expensive rivals that tend to light up like Piccadilly Circus to advertise their 20+ brushing modes. The Suri brush uses just two modes: a gentler 'everyday clean' and a more intense 'polish'. The vibration of the Suri isn't the most powerful of the brushes I've tested – which include the skull-rattling Oral-B iO9 (£239, and the chart-topping sonic frequencies of the Philips Sonicare 9900 (£265, – but the cleaning performance is faultless, delivering a classic, dentist-fresh mouthfeel every time. You get 33,000 vibes per minute, if you're keeping score, which is comfortably above the sweet spot where sonic cleaning science starts to kick in. It's quieter than most brushes, too. Perhaps the biggest drawback of Suri's electric toothbrush is the lack of a pressure sensor. While other brushes might protect you from gum damage by flashing a light or dialling down the motor when too much pressure is applied, the Suri brush won't. This isn't too much of a problem if you've previously used a brush with a sensor and are familiar with how much pressure to apply, but for electric newbies it could mean you're going too hard without realising it. Battery life is where the Suri really pulls away from the competition, lasting 40 days between charges. A full recharge takes just four hours too, so you can easily juice it up overnight or between your morning and evening routines. Compare that to the entry-level Oral-B iO2 (£40, which takes a full 24 hours to charge from empty. The Oral-B brush is designed to be left on its charging stand whenever you're not using it – which you can do with the Suri brush too – but constantly topping up the battery degrades it more quickly, leading to the kind of electronic waste that Suri is trying to avoid.
National Post
4 days ago
- Health
- National Post
Natural deodorants to keep you feeling fresh all day
Article content Why buy: Canadian home and personal care brand Attitude is quickly becoming our go-to for all things bath, body, sun care and cleaning products. It's plastic-free packaging offers an eco-friendly alternative to standard deodorant, and its baking soda and aluminum-free formula is gentle on skin. For extra-sensitive skin, look to the brand's Sensitive Natural Baking Soda-Free Deodorant. Article content Article content Why buy: Also a Canadian brand, Kaia Naturals' aluminum-free deodorant uses activated charcoal to neutralize odours and draw out impurities and aloe vera to calm and soothe skin. The deodorant comes in six essential oil scents, and is most effective when paired with the brand's Underarm Bar, an underarm bar soap that helps eliminate odour-causing bacteria. Article content Article content Why buy: For the natural deodorant-curious, this is an excellent gateway option. It looks and even smells like its traditional counterpart, but contains zero aluminum. What it does contain is glycerin, a natural humectant. If you've tried other natural deodorants in the past and found them irritating or leaving you itchy, this is nicely moisturizing. Our runner-up in this category is the Secret Aluminum Free Deodorant, which comes in under $10, too. Article content Why buy: You're buying deodorant to smell good, so your deodorant should smell really good. Native's fragrances have won the brand a diehard fan base. It regularly releases limited edition fragrances to keep this mundane task fun. But the classic scents, like Coconut & Vanilla, Lavender & Rose and Eucalyptus & Mint have regulars coming back again and again. The formula also includes moisturizing coconut oil and shea butter, which keep the delicate underarm area comfortable. Article content Article content Why buy: If you prefer products that do their job effectively without the need for strong scents, this Kosas deodorant is the way to go. It has an innovative serum-like texture that contains a smoothing blend of AHAs to exfoliate and brighten the look of underarms while banishing odour. It's a roll-on formula that glides smoothly onto skin, leaving behind clear protection that lasts. Article content Why buy: 'Pong' is Australian slang for b.o. No Pong was developed by an Aussie and a Canadian and is made in Canada. The brand has a nice variety of scents, but the original — a gender-neutral blend of citrus and light vanilla — is the most popular. But what makes No Pong stand apart from other natural deodorants is that it's a cream. It comes in a discreet round tin and you only need the tiniest pea-size amount. It might feel weird at first rubbing your armpits, but like most other things from baking to applying makeup, your own hands are the best accessories.
Zawya
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Zawya
RTA achieves 55% green conversion of staff-use vehicles
DUBAI: Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has successfully converted 55% of its staff-use vehicle fleet into environmentally friendly models, with 260 now operating as eco-friendly vehicles. This achievement positions RTA at the forefront of sustainable mobility and underscores its commitment to environmental stewardship and enhancing the efficiency of transport services across the Emirate. These results reflect RTA's strong commitment to implementing the directives of Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, which call on government entities in the Emirate to increase the share of hybrid and environmentally friendly vehicles in their fleets. As a result, RTA has surpassed the 2030 target, which was set at 30%. Commenting on the achievement, Fatima Al Mandoos, Director of Administrative Services at the Corporate Administrative Support Services Sector of RTA, said: 'Through this initiative, RTA reaffirms its strategic commitment to reducing carbon emissions and advancing environmental sustainability, in line with the broader vision of Dubai and the UAE to transition towards a green economy. This step highlights RTA's dedication to supporting efforts to develop a sustainable transport sector and promote the adoption of hybrid and electric vehicles across public and private fleets in the Emirate, thereby contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Al Mandoos added: 'This transition supports RTA's efforts to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, guided by three key pillars: public transport, RTA-owned buildings and facilities, and waste management. The Authority continues to implement a range of measures to improve transparency and efficiency in fleet management, including the upgrade of vehicle tracking systems and the adoption of advanced technologies for the maintenance and operation of hybrid vehicles.' She concluded: 'RTA has developed a long-term plan to support the transition to environmentally friendly vehicles through to 2030, contributing to improved air quality and reinforcing Dubai's vision of becoming a sustainable city. RTA also encourages its employees to adopt hybrid vehicles and actively raises awareness about the importance of minimising environmental impact; in addition to organizing training sessions to educate staff on the efficient operation of hybrid vehicles and best practices for conserving energy.'
