Connect with us

Technology

Mushroom Handbags and Plastic-Free Picnics – IDTechEx Explores White Biotechnology and Sustainability

Published

on

BOSTON, Feb. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Handbags made of mushroom leather and biodegradable foodware are two examples of how white biotechnology can produce functional products that look good. With the right input feedstock, such as biomass or gases, and the right fermentation processes, the outputs of white biotechnology processes can be utilized in textiles, chemicals, and fuels.  Using CO2 and other greenhouse gases in the fermentation process can also contribute to the growing circular bioeconomy.

 

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2340284/IDTechEx_1.jpg

Future production of sustainable materials. Source IDTechEx

Green fashion forward

Large mats made from the mycelium roots of mushrooms are a versatile material used for leather-alternative clothes and accessories. This is thanks to mycelium having a similar durability to that of traditional leather once treated with a tanning agent. As mycelium leather is a tough material and treated with preservatives for long-term usage, consumers won’t have to worry about their handbags degrading. Microbial leather, derived from the fermentation of bacteria or yeast, may also possess similar sustainable yet functional qualities. These microorganisms produce collagen or cellulose, among other molecules, which form the structure of the leather alternative material. The resulting fermentation-based materials are processed so that they become convincingly leather-like in appearance, so donning a pair of smart trainers doesn’t have to scream mushroom. 

CO2 utilization

Certain classes of microbes, such as acetogens and knallgas, can use CO2 as a fermentation input alongside hydrogen. Such CO2 utilization offers an opportunity to valorize captured CO2  while creating valuable products such as fuels and drop-in chemicals, providing an economic incentive to decarbonize. Microbes can often handle impurities, allowing minimal flue gas processing when compared to most other CO2 utilization pathways (such as thermochemical or electrochemical production of CO2-derived e-fuels). Emerging trends in this area involve using steel mill smelter gas because it is rich in CO, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide. By using a readily available waste material (CO2), an environmental detriment can be transformed into a positive using biotechnology.

Fossil plastic-free packaging and picnics

Sustainable packaging is a market benefitting from white biotechnology, as with the right combination of inputs, biocatalysts, and process parameters, biobased materials can be designed and produced to replace fossil-based plastics. The impact of biodegradable bioplastics made through white biotechnology could reduce plastic waste in oceans and in landfills, thus contributing to the success of the circular economy. 

Polylactic acid (PLA) is a common bioplastic used in the production of compostable plates and foodware. The versatility of this material allows it to be produced in different shapes and sizes; for consumers looking to use products that are biodegradable, PLA foodware is a strong option so that their birthday parties and beach picnics don’t have to generate harmful waste. 

White biotechnology is a technology enabler for sustainable materials, such as animal leather and fossil plastic alternatives that can attract consumers with the benefits of switching to biobased materials without necessarily giving up quality. White biotechnology can also offer purpose to the gases accumulated by carbon capture, as scientists can put them to good use in making useable and eco-friendly chemicals and materials. While there is still significant work to be done to widen the application of biobased materials in industries like packaging and fashion, the growth of biobased materials will enable people to make more sustainable choices while shopping, thus helping the planet and strengthening the bioeconomy.  

For more information, please see IDTechEx’s latest reports, “White Biotechnology 2024-2034″, “Carbon Dioxide Utilization 2024-2044: Technologies, Market Forecasts, and Players“, “Emerging Alternative Leathers 2024-2034: Technologies, Trends, Players”, and “Sustainable Packaging Market 2023-2033“.

About IDTechEx

IDTechEx guides your strategic business decisions through its Research, Subscription and Consultancy products, helping you profit from emerging technologies. For more information, contact research@IDTechEx.com or visit www.IDTechEx.com.

Images download:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/0agj9wmx6h1j304m9h5b4/h?rlkey=v0dsv8ilirgq8hl6a1nljtto2&dl=0

Media Contact:

Lucy Rogers
Sales and Marketing Administrator
press@IDTechEx.com
+44(0)1223 812300

Social Media Links:

Twitter: www.twitter.com/IDTechEx
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/IDTechEx

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/478371/IDTechEx_Logo.jpg

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/mushroom-handbags-and-plastic-free-picnics–idtechex-explores-white-biotechnology-and-sustainability-302062142.html

Continue Reading

Technology

LEAP Group Relaunches HumanView, a Growth Intelligence System Built to Explain Why Customers Behave the Way They Do

Published

on

By

Reimagined from the ground up, HumanView pairs statistical modeling with expert analysts to turn millions of real-world customer signals into business decisions

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — LEAP Group today announced the relaunch of HumanView, its growth intelligence service. The new version has been rebuilt from the ground up and now has a dedicated home at leapgroupnetwork.com/humanview.

HumanView analyzes what customers say and do across social platforms, e-commerce sites, review platforms, search behavior and user-generated content, including signals from Reddit, TikTok, YouTube, Meta, Amazon and Walmart+ that general AI tools cannot always access. Because the data reflects unprompted, real-world behavior, it avoids the response bias built into surveys and focus groups.

The service works in three layers. HumanView captures signals at scale, decodes millions of records through validated statistical models such as regression, correlation and clustering, and then relies on experienced analysts to interpret the patterns. Clients receive clear, human-validated insights instead of another dashboard.

“Machines find the patterns. Humans find the point,” said Alan Gilleo, CEO at LEAP Group. “The first version of HumanView showed us how much customers reveal when nobody is asking them questions. This version is built to explain why they act the way they do, and to put those answers in front of everyone making decisions, from product to service to marketing.”

HumanView focuses on three areas:

Growth Intelligence: customer motivations and how people perceive a brand and its competitors

Market and Category Intelligence: product pain points, service friction, unmet needs and competitive gaps

Audience Intelligence: new segments, positioning opportunities and gaps in the market

Every model is designed and validated by data scientists and benchmarked before it informs a recommendation.

To learn more about HumanView, visit leapgroupnetwork.com/humanview.

About LEAP Group
LEAP Group is a boutique marketing agency holding company with offices in Louisville, Indianapolis, Cincinnati and Chicago. Guided by the belief that brands should “Market Less. Matter More.,” LEAP gives clients access to specialized experts across its entire network. Learn more at leapgroupnetwork.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/leap-group-relaunches-humanview-a-growth-intelligence-system-built-to-explain-why-customers-behave-the-way-they-do-302918557.html

SOURCE LEAP Group

Continue Reading

Technology

STEPHEN A. SMITH ADDRESSES WHITE HOUSE DINNER ATTENDANCE, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO HBCUs AND PROTECTING CORPORATE INVESTMENT IN BLACK EDUCATION

Published

on

By

NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Stephen A. Smith, media mogul, New York Times bestselling author, and proud 1991 graduate of Winston-Salem State University, is addressing the public discussion surrounding his decision to attend a White House dinner with President Donald Trump, emphasizing his commitment to the long-term financial stability of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

For Smith, the decision was rooted in a commitment to institutions that have educated generations of Black leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and public servants.

“I will always advocate for HBCUs and the students whose futures depend on them,” Smith said. “My reason for attending the White House dinner was to discuss the challenges these institutions face in securing long-term funding and to make the case that corporate America must continue to invest in them.”

Smith acknowledged federal support through the FUTURE Act while expressing concern that political tensions surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) could discourage private companies from supporting HBCUs. He maintains that these institutions deserve sustained corporate partnerships, philanthropic contributions, and public investment.

“If we truly believe in free-market capitalism, businesses should be able to support educational institutions and charitable causes without fear of criticism or repercussions,” Smith said. “HBCUs have made extraordinary contributions to this country. They deserve sustained public and private investment.”

Ashley Christopher, Esq., Founder and CEO of the HBCU Week Foundation, recognized Smith’s advocacy and decision to engage with the administration.

“Stephen A. Smith has been a powerful advocate for HBCUs, using his platform and influence to shine a national spotlight on our institutions,” expressed Christopher, “His continued support of HBCU Week helps advance our mission of connecting students with life-changing educational opportunities, and we are proud to have him as our ambassador.”

Since Smith became an HBCU Week Ambassador in 2019, the initiative has facilitated more than 15,000 on-the-spot college acceptances and raised and awarded more than $150 million in scholarships, according to the HBCU Week Foundation.

As public discussion continues, Smith is emphasizing the importance of ensuring HBCUs have the resources and partnerships needed to educate future generations and expand opportunities for students.

CLICK HERE to watch Smith’s full response to his White House visit.

MEDIA CONTACT:

media@mrsasinc.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/stephen-a-smith-addresses-white-house-dinner-attendance-reaffirms-commitment-to-hbcus-and-protecting-corporate-investment-in-black-education-302918547.html

SOURCE Straight Shooter Media

Continue Reading

Technology

Advantex Announces Completion of Financing and Extension of Maturity Date of Previously Issued Debentures

Published

on

By

TORONTO, Oct. 23, 2026 /CNW/ — Advantex Marketing International Inc. (CSE: ADX) (“Advantex”), a leader in the merchant cash advance and loyalty marketing products for merchants, today announced the completion of a $250,000 secured debt financing. Advantex issued a $250,000 non-convertible debenture which bears an interest rate at 12% per annum and matures December 15, 2027. The proceeds raised from this issuance of the Debenture will be used for working capital purposes.

Advantex has also extended the maturity of its existing $700,000 in 12% secured debentures from October 10, 2026 to December 15, 2027.

About Advantex Marketing International Inc.

Advantex provides working capital to merchants. Advantex also provides specialized marketing programs that enable members of Aeroplan to earn Aeroplan points at participating merchants.

Advantex shares trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol ADX. For more information go to Advantex’s profile on www.sedar.com

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the future business and operations of Advantex. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. The business and operations of Advantex described herein is dependent on a number of factors and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ material include, but are not limited to, changes in Advantex’s economic and competitive conditions including but not limited to the industry sectors in which Advantex operates.

The statements in this news release are made of the date of this release. Forward-looking statements are made based on management’s beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date the statements are made and Advantex undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable law.

SOURCE Advantex Marketing International Inc.

Continue Reading

Trending