Cyanobacteria © Wong Yu Liang on Getty The digital clock says it’s 2:42 – the blinking colon counting the seconds below a mysterious green box. At a time when ‘being green’ matters more than ever, a team of Cambridge researchers has devised a way to power electronic devices that’s taken the brief quite literally. “We’ve found a way to tap into a natural process in algae, and use it to generate continuous electricity 24/7 without harming the plant at all,” says Dr Paolo Bombelli in the University of Cambridge’s Department of Biochemistry. He’s scientific lead of a project that began two decades ago – and his self-confessed obsession with algae shows no sign of letting up. Dr Paolo Bombelli with experimental living algae systems © Jacqueline Garget The algae are ‘photosynthetic cyanobacteria’: ancient, aquatic microorganisms that harvest sunlight and take carbon dioxide out of the air to power their growth. This process involves a continuous flow of electrons – essentially electricity – and the team has worked out how to tap off a fraction of it and use this to power electrical devices. Biocell © Lucia Giron The algae live within a sealed casing, and their photosynthesis produces a low-power electrical current that keeps flowing even in the dark. As it’s based on a living organism, this ‘biocell’ technology can keep producing electricity for as long as the team can keep it alive. The record so far is six years (and counting)… “Our aim is to get rid of the need for batteries altogether,” says Bombelli. “This is a completely new way to generate electricity that has the capacity to run and run – even when there’s no light at all – making it a much greener, longer-term alternative to traditional chemical batteries.” Lucia Giron, Chris Howe, and Paolo Bombelli with their algae-powered digital clock © Jacqueline Garget Better than conventional batteries? “Disposable batteries, which you just throw away when they stop working, are very bad for the planet and we want to use our biocells as a replacement,” says Professor Chris Howe, Principal Investigator of the project in the Department of Biochemistry. Conventional chemical batteries are built with mined materials like lithium that cause a range of environmental issues: extraction methods are energy-intensive, release greenhouse gases and cause local ecological degradation and habitat destruction. In contrast the biocells are made of common, inexpensive and largely recyclable materials. The power output of the biocells is low, so the technology can’t be used for devices that need lots of power. The team’s idea is to use it to power large numbers of devices that would normally be powered using small, disposable batteries – for example remote controls or smoke alarms. “Our technology could replace millions of small disposable batteries with a much a cleaner source of energy – that’s a huge environmental benefit and a really exciting prospect,” says Howe, adding, “there are so many potential applications.” The technology holds promise for electricity provision in rural, off-grid locations, and Howe says that providing readily available power in low-income countries could be life-changing. In sub-Saharan Africa, for example, mobile phone ownership and coverage is wide, but charging facilities can be very limited in remote rural areas. If the technology can be scaled up to charge mobile phones this improves not only communication, but access to information and online tools. The team also sees potential to use biocells to power environmental sensors, for example to monitor water quality in remote locations. These require a long-lasting, uninterrupted supply of power and, as they’re often in hard-to-access locations, must run reliably without human intervention to change batteries when they run out. From lab to market Now it’s time to prove the biocells have a competitive edge over chemical batteries – and move them into the commercial realm. Grants from the University’s BBSRC Impact Acceleration Account have enabled the team to develop their ideas further by bringing in bio-designer Lucia Giron and electrical engineer Lifu Tan. “Knowing how the technology works is one thing, but transforming it into a product is a very different ball game,” says Bombelli. Lucia Giron © Jacqueline Garget Coming from an art and design background, Giron is an unusual addition to the Biochemistry Department – but essential to translating the team’s discoveries into consumer products. “My goal is to find ways of making these prototype living systems into real-world sustainable energy solutions, by connecting scientific investigation with design practice,” she says. The algae clock was Giron’s creation, and she’s also produced a temperature sensor interface and a beautifully designed demonstrator cell. Via its start-up company e-Pho, the team is currently in talks with potential clients about specific applications and while these remain confidential, they have several ideas they can showcase. One uses a biocell to keeps tabs on a potted plant in the lab. © Jacqueline Garget “We have sensors measuring light intensity around the plant, air temperature and soil moisture – all powered continuously by our biocell. “We can look at this data on a connected phone app to know exactly what the plant needs, for example when to water it, so we can keep it thriving,” says Tan. Since the team set to work in 2006, a number of other teams across the world have begun investigating similar ideas, but Howe says his has a march on them. “We’ve been one of the most significant places in the world for development and research into this technology, and our continued experiments and refinements have enabled us to increase the power output of the biocell over 20-fold since we started,” he says. Inspiring future scientists In a different branch of their efforts, the team has developed a ‘living toolkit’ and dedicated website that they use to run very popular classroom workshops in secondary schools. They also run smaller community events, such as Makespace workshops, for adults. “School pupils love the chance to build a fully functional system step by step, to grow the algae and run their own experiments,” says Bombelli. “They learn how the system works and how the materials they use affect the results, and they get an insight into different subject disciplines – from biology and electronics.” Howe adds: “My view is that the school plant science curriculum isn’t very inspiring or contemporary. We want to give schools something that demonstrates the significant applications of plant science in the modern world. Hopefully our workshops will inspire more interest in plant science, and encourage more young people to study it at university and have careers in it.” Race against time The team’s two-pronged approach reflects their commitment to helping meet our energy demands more sustainably for the long-term. Commercialising the biocell for greener energy production must go hand in hand with reducing overall energy demand through education and behavioural change. The algae-powered clock continues to tick. Author Jacqueline Garget Source University of Cambridge, press release, 2026-07-03. Supplier Cambridge University e-Pho Share Renewable Carbon News – Daily Newsletter Subscribe to our daily email newsletter – the world's leading newsletter on renewable materials and chemicals Subscribe

Eine Biozelle von Forschenden aus England erzeugt über sechs Jahre lang permanent Strom. Hinter der neuartigen Algen-Batterie stecken Cyanobakterien, die… Full text: https://www.computerbild.de/artikel/News-Energie-Laeuft-seit-sechs-Jahren-ununterbrochen-Diese-Batterie-wird-von-Algen-betrieben_dscv_he-41144815.html Author Steffen Münch Source Computerbild, 2026-08-13. Supplier Cambridge University Share Renewable Carbon News – Daily Newsletter Subscribe to our daily email newsletter – the world's leading newsletter on renewable materials and chemicals Subscribe

Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Satoshi Ichimura; hereinafter “Mitsui Chemicals”) announced today that it has made a minority investment in Materia Bioworks Inc. (Headquarters: Ontario, Canada; CEO: Hasitha de Alwis; hereinafter “Materia Bioworks”) through 321Catalyst™, its corporate venture capital (CVC) fund. About Materia Bioworks Materia Bioworks is a startup utilizing computational chemistry and AI to develop a platform (“MAPS”) that can efficiently design and formulate sustainable materials, such as bioplastics. By leveraging computational chemistry and AI, the company streamlines product development using bioplastics, a process that traditionally required significant time and cost, thereby reducing development time and costs while also driving down the cost of bioplastics themselves. Company Name Materia Bioworks Inc. HQ Toronto, Ontario, Canada CEO Hasitha de Alwis Establishment November 2023 Description Development of an AI-powered Sustainable Materials and Product Design Platform URL https://www.materiabioworks.com/　 Materia Bioworks’ AI-powered platform, MAPS (Material Application Prediction System) has the following functions: Material Design Formulates and designs bioplastics and other sustainable materials to meet target performance specifications such as thermal properties, mechanical properties, permeability, physical properties, etc., with AI suggesting optimal formulations and material designs. Manufacturing Optimization Conducts simulations of customer’s production lines using digital twins※ and provides advice on optimal manufacturing conditions to the customer, such as processing conditions. Marketplace Connects customers with verified bioplastic suppliers through a proprietary marketplace network. Compliance Support Supports companies in obtaining approvals for bioplastics in compliance with regulations in various countries by leveraging a proprietary database of biomaterials and biodegradable materials. ※Digital twin：Technology refers to the recreation of the state of real-world equipment, products, and processes in a digital environment, enabling simulation and analysis to improve efficiency and optimize operations. Purpose of the Investment By utilizing their biomass materials in Materia Bioworks’ bioplastic design services, Mitsui Chemicals aims to expand its provision of bioplastic materials offering to customers globally. Furthermore, Mitsui Chemicals will collaborate with Materia Bioworks to meet the performance and quality requirements of customers through the possible joint development of new bioplastic materials. Source Mitsui Chemicals, press release, 2026-08-04. Supplier Materia Bioworks Mitsui Chemicals Share Renewable Carbon News – Daily Newsletter Subscribe to our daily email newsletter – the world's leading newsletter on renewable materials and chemicals Subscribe

Blanes Biotechnologie-Werk in Katalonien, Spanien. © Epoch Biodesign Das britische Biotechnologieunternehmen Epoch Biodesign übernimmt in Spanien ein Werk zur Produktion von Polyamid 6.6 (PA6.6, Nylon 6.6), das zuletzt von der insolventen Domo Chemicals betrieben wurde. Laut einem von Epoch Biodesign veröffentlichten Pressebericht beläuft sich der Kaufpreis für das Werk am Standort Blanes in Katalonien auf etwas mehr als 4 Mio. Euro. Mit dieser Übernahme sichert sich das britische Unternehmen Produktionskapazitäten im kommerziellen Maßstab. Geplant ist nun die Umstellung der Anlagen auf die Herstellung von recycelten Polyamiden auf Basis eigener Technologien und der Ausbau der Kapazitäten in Blanes. Den Angaben zufolge will Epoch Biodesign dabei auch etwa 60 Arbeitsplätze an dem nordöstlich von Barcelona gelegenen Standort sichern. Die in London ansässige Epoch Biodesign entwickelt enzymatische Recyclingverfahren für Polyamide und andere Polymere. Das Unternehmen betreibt bislang eine Pilotanlage und will noch im laufenden Jahr am Standort Grapht Works im Westen von London eine größere Demonstrationsanlage für das Recycling von Nylon 6.6 mit einer Jahreskapazität von über 150 Tonnen in Betrieb nehmen. Für die weitere Entwicklung und Kommerzialisierung ihres KI-gestützten enzymatischen Recyclingverfahrens hatte Epoch Biodesign im Februar dieses Jahres zudem eine Kooperationsvereinbarung mit dem US-amerikanische Chemiefaserkonzern Invista abgeschlossen (siehe auch plasticker-News vom 16.02.2026). Source Plasticker, 2026-08-10. Supplier Epoch BioDesign PA6.6 Invista Share Renewable Carbon News – Daily Newsletter Subscribe to our daily email newsletter – the world's leading newsletter on renewable materials and chemicals Subscribe

Membranreaktor – Dank einer neuen Anlage des Fraunhofer IKTS lässt sich Kalk künftig klimaneutral herstellen. © Timo Lutz / Team für Industriefotografie Kalk lässt sich als Innen- und Außenputz nutzen und ist ein Hauptbestandteil von Zement. Die Herstellung des vielseitigen Baustoffs ist jedoch emissionsintensiv. Forschende des Fraunhofer-Instituts für Keramische Technologien und Systeme IKTS entwickeln in Hermsdorf (Thüringen) einen Membranreaktor, der eine klimaneutrale Kalkproduktion ermöglicht und gleichzeitig neue Rohstoffe schafft. Die Baustoffindustrie verursacht etwa ein Viertel der globalen Treibhausemissionen, sie gehört damit zu den größten CO2-Verursachern. Besonders die Produktion von Zement oder Kalk ist nicht nur energie-, sondern vor allem emissionsintensiv: Abgase aus Zementwerken haben einen CO2-Gehalt von bis zu 33%, die aus Kalkwerken oft mehr als 40%. Um Kalk als Baustoff nutzen zu können, muss er zunächst gebrannt werden. Dabei entsteht ein Großteil der CO2-Emissionen im gesamten Herstellungsprozess. Für eine klimaneutrale Produktion genügt es daher nicht, lediglich das Brenngas zu substituieren oder einen elektrischen Ofen zu nutzen, da das CO2 aus dem Material selbst freigesetzt wird. Klimaneutraler Kalk aus dem Membranreaktor An einer umweltfreundlichen Lösung arbeiten Forschende des Fraunhofer IKTS in Hermsdorf: »Im Projekt Grüner Kalk entwickeln wir gemeinsam mit unseren Partnern eine Anlage für die klimaneutrale Herstellung von Kalk«, erklärt Chemiker und Projektleiter Dr. Benjamin Jäger. Die Idee ist, das im Kalkbrennprozess entstehende CO2 nicht mehr auszustoßen, sondern direkt zu nutzen: Mithilfe von grünem Wasserstoff stellen die Forschenden aus CO2 Methan her, das dank einer Pyrolyse wiederum in Wasserstoff und wertvollen, elementaren Kohlenstoff (Carbon Black) zerlegt wird. Dafür kombiniert das Team einen eigens entwickelten Membranreaktor mit einem abgedichteten, elektrischen Ofen, in dem die Freisetzung von CO2 aus dem Kalk stattfindet und dieses aufgefangen wird. Der für die Methanisierung notwendige Wasserstoff gelangt über eine druckgesteuerte Dosierung gezielt in den Reaktor für die chemisch-katalytische Reaktion zu Methan. Der Produktstrom wird anschließend getrocknet und pyrolisiert – das Methan wird also in Wasserstoff und Kohlenstoff gespalten. Der elementare Kohlenstoff lässt sich später etwa in der chemischen Industrie oder als Düngemittel in der Landwirtschaft nutzen, der freigesetzte Wasserstoff fließt wieder in den Kreislauf der Anlage. »Dank unserer Technologie reduzieren wir nicht nur drastisch die Emissionen im Kalkwerk, wir gewinnen gleichzeitig neue Rohstoffe«, fasst Benjamin Jäger zusammen. »Wir arbeiten damit nach dem Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU)-Prinzip – scheiden also CO2 aus Industrieabgasen oder der Luft ab, um es als Rohstoff wiederzuverwerten.« Bislang wird auf politischer Ebene ausschließlich die Entfernung von CO2 aus dem Kreislauf und seine langfristige Speicherung als Dekarbonisierung anerkannt. Jäger wünscht sich ein stärkeres Bewusstsein bei den politischen Entscheidungsträgern für das ökologische Potenzial von Technologien, die Kohlenstoff im Prozesskreislauf nutzen. Nur so könne sichergestellt werden, dass auch Branchen langfristig klimafreundlicher werden, in denen sich CO2-Emissionen systembedingt nicht vermeiden lassen. Das Reaktorprinzip wurde bereits erfolgreich beim Projektpartner HySON erprobt, das Unternehmen Bergmann Kalk führte die Neuentwicklung des elektrischen Ofens der Anlage an. Im nächsten Schritt möchten die Forschenden die Technologie gemeinsam mit Partnern im Industriemaßstab realisieren. Gefördert wurde das Projekt Grüner Kalk vom Bundesministerium für Forschung, Technologie und Raumfahrt (BMFTR). »Der von uns entwickelte Membranreaktor basiert auf den Kernkompetenzen des Fraunhofer IKTS in den Bereichen Werkstoffentwicklung, Anlagenkonzeption und Systemintegration. Die Technologie bietet nicht nur für die Kalkherstellung, sondern auch für Anwendungsfelder wie die Abfallwirtschaft und die Zementindustrie interessante Perspektiven«, betont Jäger. Weitere Informationen Gruppe: Katalyse und Materialsynthese Forschung aktuell: Grüner Kalk – Membranreaktor zur Prozessoptimierung der CO2-intensiven Baustoffindustrie [ PDF 2,04 MB ] Source Fraunhofer-Institut IKTS, Pressemitteilung, 2026-07-01. Supplier Bundesministerium für Forschung, Technologie und Raumfahrt (BMFTR) Fraunhofer-Institut für Keramische Technologien und Systeme (IKTS) HySON – Institut für Angewandte Wasserstoffforschung Sonnenberg gGmbH Johann Bergmann GmbH & Co. (Bergmann Kalk) Share Renewable Carbon News – Daily Newsletter Subscribe to our daily email newsletter – the world's leading newsletter on renewable materials and chemicals Subscribe

A new plant developed by Fraunhofer IKTS will enable climate-neutral lime production. © Timo Lutz / Team für Industriefotografie Lime, a key component in cement, can be used for both interior and exterior plastering. However, the production of this versatile building material generates significant emissions. Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems IKTS in Hermsdorf, Thuringia, are developing a membrane reactor that enables climate-neutral lime production while also recovering new raw materials. The construction materials industry accounts for about a quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions, making it one of the largest sources of CO2. Cement and lime production, in par-ticular, consumes a lot of energy and also causes substantial emissions: Exhaust gases from cement plants contain up to 33% CO2, while those from lime plants often exceed 40%. Lime must be burned before it can be used as a construction material – a process that accounts for most of the CO2 emissions generated during the entire manufacturing cycle. For climate-neutral production, it is therefore not enough to simply replace the fuel gas or use an electric furnace, since CO2 is released from the material itself. Climate-neutral lime from the membrane reactor Researchers at Fraunhofer IKTS in Hermsdorf are working on an eco-friendly solution to address this: “As part of the Green Lime project, we are collaborating with our partners to develop a plant for climate-neutral lime production,” explains chemist Benjamin Jäger, who manages the project. The team aims to capture the CO2 produced during lime calcination rather than merely venting it into the atmosphere. They use green hydrogen to produce methane from CO2, which is then broken down into hydrogen and valuable elemental carbon (carbon black) through pyrolysis. To achieve this, the team combines a specially developed membrane reactor with a sealed electric furnace, where the CO2 is released from the lime and captured. The system feeds the hydrogen required for methanation into the reactor using a pressure-controlled dosing system to facilitate the catalytic reaction that produces methane. The product stream is then dried and pyrolyzed, meaning the methane is broken down into hydrogen and carbon. The elemental carbon can later be used, for instance, in the chemical industry or as a fertilizer in agriculture, while the hydrogen released is recirculated back into the plant. “Our technology not only allows us to drastically reduce emissions at the lime plant but also recover new raw materials,” Benjamin Jäger summarizes. “We operate according to the carbon capture and utilization (CCU) approach, that is, we capture CO2 from industrial exhaust gases or the air to reuse it as a raw material.” To date, the only efforts currently recognized by policymakers as decarbonization are the removal of CO2 from the carbon cycle and its long-term storage. Jäger would like to see greater awareness among policymakers of the environmental potential of technologies that utilize carbon in the process cycle. He argues that this is the only way to ensure that industries where carbon emissions are unavoidable can transition toward climate-friendly operations in the long run. The reactor concept has already been successfully tested by project partner HySON – Institut für Angewandte Wasserstoffforschung Sonnenberg gGmbH, with Johann Bergmann GmbH & Co. developing the system’s new electric furnace. Next, the researchers plan to implement the technology on an industrial scale together with industry partners. The Green Lime project received funding from the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR). “Our membrane reactor draws on Fraunhofer IKTS’s core areas of expertise in materials development, plant design and system integration. This technology offers promising prospects not only for lime production but also for fields such as waste management and the cement industry,” Jäger emphasizes. More information Group: Catalysis and Materials SynthesisResearch News: Green Lime – Membrane Reactor for Process Optimization in the CO2-Intensive Building Materials Industry [ PDF 2.03 MB ] Source Fraunhofer-Institute IKTS, press release, 2026-07-01. Supplier Bundesministerium für Forschung, Technologie und Raumfahrt (BMFTR) Fraunhofer-Institut für Keramische Technologien und Systeme (IKTS) HySON – Institut für Angewandte Wasserstoffforschung Sonnenberg gGmbH Johann Bergmann GmbH & Co. (Bergmann Kalk) Share Renewable Carbon News – Daily Newsletter Subscribe to our daily email newsletter – the world's leading newsletter on renewable materials and chemicals Subscribe

© Foreign Ministry of Oman Nama Water Services has launched a pilot project to cultivate Camelina (Camelina sativa), one of the leading sustainable crops used in biofuel production. The initiative, in partnership with Hema Energy, forms part of the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability, supporting green economy goals and expanding the use of reclaimed water supplied under the Manhal Nama programme. The project reflects Nama Water Services’ strategy to transform reclaimed water into a strategic resource that supports sustainable development through innovative agricultural applications. It aims to strengthen water and food security, reduce carbon emissions and accelerate the transition to clean energy sources. Under the partnership, Nama Water Services will provide the project site and reclaimed water supplies, while Hema Energy will be responsible for implementing the project, overseeing its technical management and operations, carrying out monitoring and data analysis in line with the highest technical and environmental standards. The project is supported by several national institutions. Sultan Qaboos University will provide research, scientific and technical support, the Environment Authority will oversee environmental compliance, and the Oman Net Zero Centre (ONZC) will ensure alignment with Oman’s net zero targets and carbon sink initiatives. The pilot project will assess Camelina’s agricultural performance under local climatic conditions, improve irrigation efficiency using treated water, monitor soil and water quality, measure environmental benefits and evaluate its potential for biofuel production and carbon credit generation. The findings are expected to support decisions on expanding the commercial use of treated water for agriculture and contribute to the development of sustainable value chains for biomass and renewable energy production in the Sultanate of Oman. This is an unofficial English version of an Arabic report. To view the official Arabic text, click here. Source Foreign Ministry of Oman, press release, 2026-08-02. Supplier Environment Authority Foreign Ministry of Oman Hema Energy Nama Water Services Oman Net Zero Centre (ONZC) Sultan Qaboos University Share Renewable Carbon News – Daily Newsletter Subscribe to our daily email newsletter – the world's leading newsletter on renewable materials and chemicals Subscribe

Researchers in the Liu Lab examine samples of engine oil created from upcycled plastic waste. © Luke Hayes for Virginia Tech. Virginia Tech chemist and chemical engineer Guoliang “Greg” Liu and his lab have developed a process that converts the plastic polyvinyl chloride (PVC) into polyalphaolefin, a key component in lubricants such as engine oil. Graduate student Connor Thompson examines a sample of engine oil created from upcycled plastic waste in Greg Liu’s lab. In his left hand he holds toy plastic frogs similar to those that were used in the process. © Luke Hayes for Virginia Tech. Published Aug. 5 in the journal Nature, the research could help address two environmental challenges: recycling one of the world’s most difficult plastics and producing a valuable industrial material. Because of its chlorine content and the variety of additives used by different manufacturers, PVC is among the hardest plastics to recycle. As a result, much of it ends up in landfills. At the same time, lubricants such as engine oil are environmentally costly to produce and are in growing demand. By converting discarded PVC into a key lubricant ingredient, the Liu lab’s process offers a potential way to reduce plastic waste while creating a high-value product. Lubricants may go unnoticed, but they keep the world running smoothly. Engine oil is used in everything from lawn mowers and passenger vehicles to jet engines, making a reliable supply of lubricant components essential across industries. Researchers in the Liu Lab examine samples of engine oil created from upcycled plastic waste. © Luke Hayes for Virginia Tech. The Liu lab has developed an effective process to possibly reverse an already alarming plastics pollution problem. The team takes the PVC you’d find around your home in plumbing, window structures, and even your credit cards, and puts it into a solvent. Aluminum trichloride and alpha-olefins are added and the whole mixture is heated to 158 degrees Fahrenheit for three hours. The product extracted from the solvent is a relatively thick oil — lubricant. “Number one, we have proved that it is feasible to use plastic waste to make high-performance lubricants. Number two, these lubricants are green, and they can meet the emerging needs for sustainability by the market,” Liu said. Graduate student Abby Civrello examines a sample of engine oil created from upcycled plastic waste in Greg Liu’s lab. © Luke Hayes for Virginia Tech. The idea for the process started with the team’s earlier publications, featured in Science and Nature Sustainability, about converting other types of plastic waste into surfactants such as soap and detergents. When that proved successful, researchers turned their attention to PVC. “We want to help improve the recycling and upcycling of PVC,” Liu said. To move the project forward, Liu assembled a team of graduate researchers. He tapped Eric Munyaneza Nuwayo, a doctoral student in the final year of his doctoral program, to lead the effort. Connor S. Thompson, a graduate student in the chemistry department, was initially focused on a different research project. When Liu proposed a new direction, Thompson embraced the challenge. The team also included Abby Civiello, a first-year graduate student whose contributions quickly made a substantial impact in the lab. “I often called them the three musketeers,” Liu said. Graduate student Adrian DiMarco prepares a sample of engine oil created from upcycled plastic waste in Greg Liu’s lab. © Luke Hayes for Virginia Tech. Team members started by attempting to transform the PVC molecules into something different and playing around with the materials. “The idea was simple. PVC, as one of the most activated forms of polyethylene, ought to be easily converted into some other molecules by replacing the chlorine atoms with other groups,” Liu said. Despite the efforts, the material they produced was never something functional. It was always soft — a little gooey — and not as high-performing as they wanted. “One day I realized — if this polymer is so gooey and so soft, why don’t I just keep breaking the polymer chains down to smaller segments that mimic lubricants?” said Liu. But as team members advanced the process, converting PVC into new molecules and testing the performance of the resulting product at Virginia Tech, Liu realized they had uncovered something far more promising than a recycling method. He turned to colleagues to further test the materials that the Liu lab had created. Liu sent samples of the oil to Ali Erdemir at Texas A&M University, and researchers there began testing and characterizing the materials. Liu also worked with William Goddard from Caltech on chemical computations. Virginia Tech colleague Xi Chen then aided in the economics and production perspective, working out models for how this oil could be produced on a large scale. The next step, said Liu, is making the lubricant even more sustainable and more accessible. “Lubricants are the silent hero out there. We often don’t recognize they exist, but they are out there working quietly. We want to be able to produce the oil on a larger scale to reach more people in the world,” Liu said. Original study DOI 10.1038/s41586-026-10867-z Source Virginia Tech, press release, 2026-08-05. Supplier California Institute of Technology CALTECH Texas A&M University Virginia Tech Share Renewable Carbon News – Daily Newsletter Subscribe to our daily email newsletter – the world's leading newsletter on renewable materials and chemicals Subscribe

Die LignoPure-Gründerinnen (v.l.n.r.) Daniela Arango, Joana Gil Chavez und Wienke Reynolds © LignoPure Die LignoPure GmbH ist Vorreiterin in der Verwertung von Lignin als nachhaltigem Inhaltsstoff in hochwertigen Anwendungen wie z.B. Haupflegeprodukten. Sie hat jetzt weitere rund 2,4 Millionen Euro Beteiligungskapital eingesammelt. Die aktuelle Finanzierungsrunde wird von der NBank Capital Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH angeführt. Weitere Investoren sind die Niedersachsen Beteiligungs GmbH & Co. KG (ein Fonds von NiedersachsenMetall), ein Team von Business Angels (RaakWaark Kaptaal), ein Family Office sowie bestehende Gesellschafter. “Wir freuen sehr über das Vertrauen unserer Investoren. Diese Finanzierung ermöglicht es uns, die globale Präsenz des Unternehmens zu stärken, die Grundlage für die globale Produktion zusammen mit internationalen Bioraffinerien zu legen und unser Produktportfolio weiter auszubauen. Mit dieser Finanzierung kommen wir unserer Mission, die chemische Industrie zu dekarbonisieren und Lignin zu einer echten Alternative zu schädlichen Inhaltsstoffen zu machen, einen deutlichen Schritt näher. Daniela Arango, Joana Gil Chavez, Wienke Reynolds. Lignopure ist ein Unternehmen, das sich der nachhaltigen Umwandlung und Verwertung von Lignin, einem natürlichen, in Pflanzen vorkommenden Polymer als biobasierter Grundstoff und Alternative zu fossilen Chemikalien wie z.B. Mikroplastik, verschrieben hat. Durch die Entwicklung innovativer lignin-basierter Inhaltsstoffe und die Zusammenarbeit mit Bioraffinerien zielt Lignopure darauf ab, nachhaltige Alternativen zu schädlichen Inhaltsstoffen in der Chemieindustrie zu schaffen. Das aufbereitete Lignin wird nicht nur im Kosmetiksektor eingesetzt, sondern schafft auch die Basis für eine breite Einführung von Lignin in verschiedenen industriellen Anwendungen wie zum Beispiel dem Bereich der Nahrungsergänzungsmittel oder der Herstellung von veganem Leder. „Lignopure ist ein junges Unternehmen, das uns mit seiner Technologie und dem Spirit der Gründerinnen begeistert und beeindruckt hat. Die Gründerinnen schaffen es mit ihrer Professionalität und strategischen Ausrichtung, Kunden und Investoren zu begeistern. Wir freuen uns sehr auf eine gute und erfolgreiche Zusammenarbeit! Passend zu unserer Portfolio-Strategie wollen wir die Transformation weg von fossilen Inhaltsstoffen und Mikroplastik hin zu biobasierten Grundstoffen aktiv unterstützen.“ Viktoria Vorwachs, zuständige Beteiligungsmanagerin bei der NBank Capital. Lignopure wurde 2019 von den drei Ingenieurinnen, als Science Spin-off der Hamburger Technischen Universität gegründet. Inzwischen gibt es auch eine Produktionsstätte in Buxtehude. Als Ergebnis einer ersten Finanzierungsrunde konnte 2023 mit „LignoBase“ das erste Produkt als erster multifunktionaler lignin-basierter Inhaltsstoff für den Kosmetiksektor zur Marktreife entwickelt werden. „LignoBase“ kann beispielsweise in Sonnencremes schädliche Inhaltsstoffe bei gleichem Schutz ersetzen. Bereits 2022 nahm Lignopure die erste GMP-konforme Anlage für die Lignin-Umwandlung in Betrieb und erreichte damit die Fähigkeit, jährlich 90.000 Kilogramm Lignin wiederzuverwerten. Weitere Informationen zu Lignopure finden Sie unter www.lignopure.com. „Schon im April 2019, als Lignopure beim ersten Future Hamburg Award den zweiten Platz belegte und ich dort in der Jury saß, hat mich das Team mit dem nachhaltigen und international ausgerichteten Geschäftsmodell überzeugt. Deshalb freue ich mich besonders, dass meine Angel-Kollegen und ich gemeinsam das Team begleiten dürfen.“ Auch Matthias Grychta, Angel Investor von Raakwark Kaptaal. Über Raakwark Kaptaal Raakwark Kaptaal, ein Zusammenschluss von Business Angels aus Hamburg, investiert in Technologie-Startups in der Pre-Seed- und Seed-Phase. Mehr Informationen finden Sie über diesen Link. Über die NBank Die „Investitions- und Förderbank Niedersachsen – NBank“ ist der kompetente Ansprechpartner in Niedersachsen für alle relevanten Förderprogramme der Europäischen Union, des Bundes, des Landes und der Kommunen. Die NBank wurde 2004 gegründet und gehört zu 100 Prozent dem Land Niedersachsen. Derzeit beschäftigt sie rund 800 Mitarbeitende und weist eine Bilanzsumme von 5,45 Milliarden Euro aus. Über die NBank Capital Die NBank Capital Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH ist eine hundert-prozentige Tochtergesellschaft der NBank und Ihr Ansprechpartner für Beteiligungskapital in Niedersachsen. Die Vergabe von Mitteln des Landes Niedersachsen und des Europäischen Fonds für regionale Entwicklung (EFRE) über die Programme NBeteiligungen und NSeed, sowie eine enge Zusammenarbeit mit den Partnern der NBank Capital bieten eine umfangreiche Bandbreite an Unterstützungsmöglichkeiten. Weitere Informationen finden Sie hier. Source NBank Capital, Pressemitteilung, 2026-07-16. Supplier Business Angel Network - Smart & Biobased (BAN-SB) LignoPure NBank Technische Universität Hamburg-Harburg TUHH Share Renewable Carbon News – Daily Newsletter Subscribe to our daily email newsletter – the world's leading newsletter on renewable materials and chemicals Subscribe

LignoPure GmbH is a pioneer in the utilization of lignin as a sustainable ingredient in high-quality applications such as home care products. It has now raised a further 2.4 million euros in equity capital. NBank Capital acquires a stake in LignoPure GmbH NBank Capital Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH leads the current financing round. Other investors include Niedersachsen Beteiligungs GmbH & Co. KG (a fund of NiedersachsenMetall), a team of business angels (RaakWaark Kaptaal), a family office and existing shareholders. “We are very pleased with the trust of our investors. This financing allows us to strengthen the company’s global presence, lay the foundation for global production with international biorefineries and further expand our product portfolio. With this funding, we are taking a significant step closer to our mission to decarbonize the chemical industry and make lignin a real alternative to harmful ingredients.” LignoPure is a company dedicated to the sustainable conversion and recycling of lignin, a natural polymer found in plants as a bio-based raw material and alternative to fossil chemicals such as microplastics. By developing innovative lignin-based ingredients and collaborating with biorefineries, LignoPure aims to create sustainable alternatives to harmful ingredients in the chemical industry. Processed lignin is not only used in the cosmetics sector but also creates the basis for a broad introduction of lignin in various industrial applications such as the field of dietary supplements or the production of vegan leather. “LignoPure is a young company that has inspired and impressed us with its technology and the spirit of the founders. With their professionalism and strategic orientation, the founders manage to inspire customers and investors. We are very much looking forward to agood and successful cooperation! In line with our portfolio strategy, we want to actively support the transformation away from fossil fuels and microplastics to bio-based raw materials.” – Viktoria Vorwachs, responsible investment manager at NBank Capital. The founders of LignoPure (from left:) Daniela Arango, Joana Gil Chavez und Wienke Reynolds © LignoPure LignoPure was founded in 2019 by the three engineers as a science spin-off of the Hamburg University of Technology. In the meantime, there is also a production facility in Buxtehude. As a result of an initial round of financing, the first product, “LignoBase”, was developed to market maturity in 2023 as the first multifunctional lignin-based ingredient for the cosmetics sector.“LignoPure Base” can, for example, replace harmful ingredients in sunscreens with the same protection. As early as 2022, LignoPure commissioned the first GMP-compliant plant for lignin conversion, achieving the ability to recycle 90,000 kilograms of lignin annually. “As early as April 2019, when LignoPure took second place in the first Future Hamburg Award and I sat on the jury there, the team convinced me with its sustainable and internationally oriented business model. That’s why I’m particularly pleased that my fishing colleagues and I can accompany the team together.” – Matthias Grychta, Angel investor of Raakwark Kaptaal. Source LignoPure Blog, press release, 2026-07. Supplier Business Angel Network - Smart & Biobased (BAN-SB) LignoPure NBank Technische Universität Hamburg-Harburg TUHH Share Renewable Carbon News – Daily Newsletter Subscribe to our daily email newsletter – the world's leading newsletter on renewable materials and chemicals Subscribe