CuanTec is a ground-breaking Scottish company that has developed a prototype of bioplastic from chitin, for use as food packaging. Chitin is the second most abundant naturally occurring biopolymer after cellulose and can be extracted from seafood waste, such as langoustine and crab shells from the food processing industry. Its bioplastic not only returns to the earth after use, but can also extend the shelf-life of food wrapped within it.

Plastic pollution can be considered one of the major environmental challenges of this century. Since the 1950s,production of plastic has increased exponentially, mostly fuelled by the demand for Single-Use Plastic Products (SUPPs) related to food packaging. Plastic debris is now ubiquitous throughout the environment, affecting not only marine and freshwater ecosystems, but also economies and societies. In addition, today, shellfish and other waste creates environmental damage; it is either sent to landfill or incinerated, emitting thousands of tonnes of damaging CO2 into the environment.

The CuanTec proprietary technologies use a novel, scientifically proven method to process this waste stream in an environmentally friendly way, producing natural, ultra-pure chitin, with no CO2 emissions, a significant improvement compared to traditional chitin extraction processes that cause damage to the biopolymer and have toxic byproducts. CuanTec will contribute to the circular economy through the production of chitin-based bioplastics that are biodegradable, ocean-friendly, compostable, have naturally antimicrobial properties and can replace fossil-fuel plastic packaging. The unique technology and antimicrobial properties of the packaging also extends the shelf life of foods wrapped within it, to combat food insecurity.

CuanTec processes waste from the fisheries industry biologically and upcycles it with strategic partners into compostable food packaging. The use of CuanTec's products leads to less plastic pollution, less landfill, less food waste and less economic loss. The company is also investigating a second value stream, extracting protein from shells for use as high protein feed for fisheries.