On 1 May 2026, the EU-Mercosur Interim Trade Agreement entered provisional application, opening up a free-trade area of more than 700 million people across 31 countries. After 25 years of negotiation, tariffs on more than 90% of bilateral trade between the EU and Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay are now phasing out. For most observers, the headlines have been about beef, cars, wine and machinery. But for sustainability and R&D managers in EU ingredient companies, there

Germany's government is signaling a major shift. Recent reports from April 27–29, 2026, reveal plans for record borrowing—up to €111 billion—for the 2027 budget, alongside new levies including one on plastics. Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil's draft skips income tax relief while targeting plastics, sugar, and tobacco to fund the fiscal push. For R&D and innovation managers eyeing sustainable ingredients, this isn't just budget news—it's a potential catalyst for biobased alter

Plastics have become essential in many areas of daily life, from food packaging to medical devices and construction materials. Yet, their widespread use has created significant environmental and health challenges. The European Union’s Plastics Strategy aims to transform how plastics are designed, produced, used, and recycled, supporting the circular economy and meeting sustainability goals for 2030. One promising solution gaining attention is the use of algae as a raw materia

The personal care industry is evolving rapidly, driven by consumer demand for natural, sustainable, and effective ingredients. At in-cosmetics Global 2026 in Paris, one clear message emerged: algae are becoming a key player in this transformation. These versatile organisms offer unique benefits that align with the goals of sustainability and innovation, but their complexity can make sourcing a challenge. This post explores why algae matter, how they can enhance personal care