This week we investigate Kenya's circular plastics #startups and the challenges they face in attracting capital. It focuses on Kubick, which takes waste #plastics and turns them into building blocks for houses 🏠.
Our bio-stories are on eggshell-derived #biomaterials, the world's first ever #biodegradable nail tips, and how companies are using forest thinning materials and agricultural residues to create #biofuels.
Grab a cup of coffee ☕ and a slice of cake 🍰 and find time to watch Episode 3 of World Bio Markets 2023 - How to win friends and Influence bacteria.
FEATURE STORY
East Africa’s burgeoning circular plastics sector needs more capital
Structural barriers and a fear of the unfamiliar mean young businesses in Africa and Asia are often overlooked by venture capitalists, overwhelmingly concentrated in developed regions. Of the $145 billion in risk capital given out globally just over one percent goes to Africa, a disparity placing a chokehold on a continent that needs to shift towards a sustainable economy.
Eggshell derived biomaterial reduces plastic content by half
The manufacturing method involves a multistep process the eggshells must withstand in order to be transformed into an ultra-fine bio-calcium powder with particles as small as one micron, which is then pelletised.
Origin Materials and Husky achieve commercialization of co bio-based polymers for packaging
Origin polymerized the bio-based sustainable chemical FDCA into the common recyclable plastic, PET, and Husky molded the resulting “PET/F” hybrid polymer into preforms that were then blown into bottles
Bio-beauty: world’s first plant-based biodegradable nail tips
Green Science Alliance has developed water-based biomass biodegradable nail polish, and 100% vegan nail remover. Now Dr. Ryohei Mori developed vegan nail tips with plant component at approximately 72%.
Allotrope, Axens and SCOA study production of low carbon biofuel using woody biomass
The project will produce a commercial grade bioethanol, while at the same time contributing to the reduction of carbon released into the atmosphere from the massive wildfires that have severely impacted the environment and residents in California.
Timeplast raising capital via crowdfunding to launch its better-than-biodegradable bioplastic
Timeplast is a chemical tech startup working on a material that behaves like conventional plastic but can be programmed to disappear at a predefined expiration date ranging from 60 seconds to 60 years of continuous contact with water.
