Los Alamos National Laboratory Honors Team For Creating Statistical Tool With Procter & Gamble

The Los Alamos National Laboratory awarded its first Richard Feynman Prize for Innovation Achievement to the team that developed the Reliability Technology statistical method for Procter & Gamble. Developed by researchers Michael Hamada, Harold Martz, and their colleagues in partnership with the consumer goods company, Reliability Technology has enabled Procter & Gamble to streamline its manufacturing processes. The research team was honored during the laboratory’s 2013 outStanding innovation Awards reception.

"Los Alamos honors team for work with P&G", Albuquerque Business First (New Mexico), August 28, 2013

Unilever, University Of Liverpool Partner To Develop Renewable Chemicals For Manufacturing Applications

Unilever partnered with the University of Liverpool to launch a research project aimed at developing the next generation of renewable chemicals from biomass. Chemicals that would be developed would be used in the manufacture of the consumer goods giant's home and personal care product lines. With emphasis on developing chemicals from the surplus sugars, fats, oils, and carbohydrates produced as by-products and forestry wastes, the project will create a center of excellence in the identification of renewable ingredients, the partners said. To be located at the University of Liverpool, the project center will employ rapid high-throughput research methods.

"Scientists to develop renewable chemicals for products of the future", Unilever, August 22, 2013

Innovation Drives Growth In Hair-Care Market, Analysts Say

After years of playing second fiddle to the skincare category, the hair-care segment is showing signs of impressive growth, driven by an increased focus on innovation. Although only a few smaller brands have adopted it, customization is believed by many industry analysts to be a major driving force of the hair-care market. In the upcoming HairCareIngredients 2013 online event organized by Cosmetics Design magazine, industry expert and consultant Imogen Matthews will do a presentation focusing on the customized hair-care segment. Hair-care companies are also innovating in terms of ingredients, including multi-function ingredients.

"Hair care gets a kick start from major focus on innovation", Cosmetics Design , August 27, 2013

Entrepreneurs Hope To Profit From Innovative Alternative Protein Sources

A growing number of food entrepreneurs are looking to eliminate the middleman of protein production – namely, animals such as beef cattle and chickens. Their focus, as described to a gathering of venture capitalists and others interested in alternative sources of protein, is production of high-protein foods directly from plants and insects. Key benefits would be a vast reduction in water usage and greenhouse gas emissions associated with raising beef cattle. Among the start-ups: Beyond Meat, which makes a meat substitute from soybeans, peas, and carrot fiber; Hampton Creek, maker of a pea-, sorghum-, and canola-based egg substitute; and Exo, whose protein bar mix combines dates, almond butter, and coconut with flour made from crickets that have been roasted and milled.

"Proteins of Tomorrow? Soy, Peas, Crickets, and Mealworms", Xconomy, August 13, 2013