3 min read

The Week in Cleantech: 6 August 2023

Concrete gets transformed into a supercapacitor. Kraft Heinz commits to reduce its plastic usage. Fashion coalition wants to address textile waste

Concrete Breakthrough: Building the Future of Clean Energy Storage

Photo by Van Peng / Unsplash

MIT researchers have engineered a groundbreaking solution by transforming concrete into supercapacitors capable of storing electrical energy. By blending cement, carbon black, and water in specific proportions, they've created a conductive nanocomposite material with an astonishing capacity for energy storage.

This innovation heralds a new era for renewable energy integration. The fusion of construction materials and energy storage addresses the challenge of uneven energy supply and demand from sources like wind, solar, and tidal power. With potential applications ranging from self-charging roads for electric vehicles to energy-autarkic shelters, this technology offers a tantalising glimpse into a future where our structures not only provide shelter but also serve as a dynamic part of the energy ecosystem, accelerating the shift towards sustainability.

Covered in: CleanTechnica and 10 other sources tracked by Cleantech Vanguard

Kraft Heinz Aims High: A Greener Path for Global Packaging

Ketchup packets.
Photo by Jacob Rice / Unsplash

The Kraft Heinz Company has committed to reducing virgin plastic usage in its global packaging by 20% by 2030, while striving for 100% recyclable, reusable, or compostable packaging by 2025. This eco-conscious drive includes transitioning brands like Kraft Real Mayo and Heinz Beans to 100% recycled content, while exploring alternatives like sustainably sourced wood pulp bottles for Heinz Tomato Ketchup.

Kraft Heinz's sustainability push represents a crucial step towards curbing plastic waste and embracing greener practices within the food industry. With millions of pounds of virgin plastic set to be eliminated and innovative materials like wood pulp bottles being tested, this initiative demonstrates a commitment to a more circular economy and sets an example for other major industry players.

Covered in: Environment+Energy Leader and 6 other sources tracked by Cleantech Vanguard

Fashion Coalition Urges EPA to Address Textile Waste in Fight Against Plastic Pollution

Shopping freak
Photo by freestocks / Unsplash

The American Circular Textiles (ACT) coalition has sent a compelling letter to the EPA, advocating for the inclusion of textile waste in anti-plastic pollution efforts. Highlighting the soaring environmental and societal impacts of textile waste, including microfiber pollution and methane emissions, ACT proposes amendments to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws, aiming for unified, state-level solutions to textile reuse and recycling.

ACT's call for EPA action sheds light on the hidden ecological toll of fashion's plastic-heavy textile production and disposal. By urging the integration of textiles into anti-pollution strategies, this initiative paves the way for a more comprehensive approach to circular fashion and a greener future.

Covered in: Waste Advantage Magazine and 2 other sources tracked by Cleantech Vanguard

Top-3 Funding Rounds Raised by Cleantech Startups

  • Newlight Technologies Inc., an innovator in decarbonisation technology that employs natural microorganisms to transform greenhouse gases into advanced materials known as AirCarbon®, has successfully concluded an equity investment round totalling $125 million. (PR Newswire)
  • Carbon Upcycling Technologies, a cleantech startup headquartered in Calgary, has secured $26 million in a Series A funding round to implement its carbon capture and utilisation technology across cement facilities in both North America and Europe. (BetaKit)
  • Konscious Foods, a plant-based seafood brand headquartered in Vancouver, BC, Canada, has successfully concluded a Seed financing round, raising $26 million. The secured funds will be used to expand the retail and food service segments, enhance operations at the Vancouver production facility, and launch nationwide retail campaigns. (FinSMEs)

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