Greetings! We just wrapped up an amazing Smart Kitchen Summit {SKS} and are using this weekend to recuperate and catch some Z’s. Be sure to check back over the next few weeks for exclusive video from the conference!
But that doesn’t mean we’ll leave you hanging without any food tech news. Here are some stories that caught our eye this week, from sustainable paper beer bottles to creamy vegan cheeses to major personalized nutrition fundraises and more. Enjoy!
Carlsberg is developing beer bottles made from paper
Danish beer giant Carlsberg unveiled two new prototypes for what it claims will be the world’s first paper beer bottle. Called the Green Fibre Bottle, the container is made from wood fiber and has an inner, leak-proof barrier. As of now both prototypes used polymer, but the company is working to eliminate said polymers to make 100 percent biodegradable bottles. However, it’ll still be a while before you can crack open a cold one encased in paper — The Independent reports that Carlsberg is still a few years away from launching their new bottles.
Photo: Goodfoods
Israeli startup developing plant-based mozzarella, brie and more
For those who have tried plant-based cheese, it’s obvious that there’s room for a lot of innovation and improvement in the space. Israeli company GoodFoods is hoping to provide some of that improvement by developing vegan alternatives to mozzarella, brie, and parmesan that taste just as good as the real thing (h/t FoodNavigator). The startup uses a cashew base for its cheeses, which are currently available in vegan grocery stores in Israel.
Photo: Canteen app from Dig
Dig launches reusable container initiative in NYC
This week East Coast fast casual chain Dig announced a new initiative to reduce their use of take-out food containers (via The New Food Economy). Called Canteen, the program is controlled by an eponymous app. Consumers download the app and pay $3 a month, which allows them “check out” reusable bowls for their takeaway orders from Dig. After use, they can return the container to a participating Dig location. Right now Dig is only piloting the program at its Washington Square Park location in NYC.
Photo: DayTwo
Israeli personalized nutrition company raises over $5M
This week DayTwo, the Israel-based company personalized nutrition company, announced that it had raised $5 million from Longliv Ventures, as well as undisclosed amounts from Cathay Innovation and Samsung NEXT (h/t Globes). DayTwo uses data from individuals’ microbiomes to create tailored nutrition profiles and plans to help them stay healthier. It’s specifically geared towards blood sugar management for diabetics. The company raised a $31 million Series B in June of this year, bringing its total funding to $48 million.
Did we miss anything? Tweet us @TheSpoonTech to let us know!
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