CuanTec have designed their methods to be a zero waste, circular process using waste from another industry as their raw material and ensuring any by-products are repurposed. They extract a natural compound called chitin from the waste shells of the fishing industry and transform it into a product that will degrade back into its natural components.

They generate ‘chitosan’ which has antimicrobial properties and it is mixed with other natural biopolymers to create the world’s first home-compostable, antimicrobial food packaging. Their packaging, CuanSave, is similar to standard packing in appearance (thin, flexible and transparent) but it has two very different properties. Firstly, it is fully home-compostable – there is no need for industrial conditions for composting. Secondly, chitosan’s antimicrobial properties mean it can extend the shelf-life of food wrapped in it, helping to prevent food waste.

Their redesigned chitin extraction process uses significantly less harmful chemicals that produce toxic waste. Their main by-product from extraction is a high protein ‘soup’ that they hope to formulate into a feed for salmon, again putting back into nature rather than creating a waste stream. The antimicrobial properties of chitosan make their packaging antimicrobial, therefore extending the shelf life of fresh fish by 40%. This helps prevent food waste, a huge contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. It also saves the economy billions for producers, retailers and consumers. Finally, of course, their product is fully home-compostable and will decompose into compounds safe for the environment.