Faster photosynthesis in photovoltaics

October 10, 2014  |  EcoNote

A collaboration among chemists and biologists from Ruhr-University Bochum has resulted in a new method for the efficient integration of photosynthetic proteins in photovoltaics. Their recent report in Chemistry (a European journal), selected as a very important paper (VIP) by the journal, offers a n…
Read More
BASF’s product portfolio evaluated for sustainability

October 10, 2014  |  EcoNote

In order to better help its customers align environmental and societal aspects with business success, global chemical company BASF SE has developed a new process for steering its portfolio based on sustainability criteria. The Sustainable Solution Steering method is used to systematically review and…
Read More
Under the sea

September 18, 2014  |  EcoNote

New textile sheets boost yields in seaweed farming. A diver inspects seaweed growing at AT~SEA’s test site near Galway, Ireland. Seaweed, it is believed, is an important but under-exploited resource for food and feed ingredients, biochemicals and the production of biofuels. However, it has been di…
Read More
Green Theme wins award for “dry” water-repellent treatment

September 8, 2014  |  EcoNote

Green Theme Technologies LLC was recognized as an R & D 100 Winner by R & D magazine for its ChemStik® technology, a water-repellent treatment for performance outdoor apparel. While prior methods used “wet” chemistry, ChemStik technology, created with the support of Under Armour Inc., i…
Read More
From textile waste to improved fabrics

August 22, 2014  |  EcoNote

Facing a January 2016 deadline ending the disposal of textile waste in landfills, the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland is developing methods to restore worn-out fiber to good-as-new condition. Scientists are currently working on methods for separating the cellulose molecules contained in tex…
Read More
Royal DSM announces PFC-free membranes for clothing

August 22, 2014  |  EcoNote

Royal DSM announces the introduction by Toyota Tsusho of a new generation of high-performance membranes for clothing made from its Arnitel® VT, a flexible thermoplastic polyester-based elastomer. The new membranes contain no perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs), and are 100 percent recyclable, breathabl…
Read More
Flexible, printed batteries for wearable devices

August 11, 2014  |  EcoNote

According to MIT Technology Review, a California business is developing flexible, rechargeable batteries that can be printed cheaply on commonly used industrial screen printers. Imprint Energy, of Alameda, Calif., has been testing its ultra-thin, zinc-polymer batteries in wrist-worn devices and hope…
Read More
Archroma releases compliance list

July 23, 2014  |  EcoNote

In response to the ZDHC Group’s June release of a Manufacturers Restricted Substance List (MRSL), which sets concentration limits for the chemical groups banned under the ZDHC Joint Roadmap, specialty-chemical producer Archroma has published a list of “ZDHC MRSL-compliant” colorants and chemic…
Read More
A set of sheets can change the world

July 23, 2014  |  EcoNote

Boll & Branch, Chatham, N.J., has released its 2014 First Half Impact Report, a compendium of the business opportunity and good will resulting from the company’s first six months in business. The vertically integrated, socially conscious company provides premium home textiles made from 100…
Read More
NATURFASERN releases Caregora

July 23, 2014  |  EcoNote

German natural-fibers textile developer NATURFASERN has recently released Caregora angora fiber. Suitable for a wide range of textile and apparel applications, it is finer than cashmere; is soft, lightweight and delicate; and, according to the company, possesses the highest heat retention and best m…
Read More