Cuantec: Transforming Waste into High-Value Chitosan for Biomedical, Water Purification, and Industrial Applications
Cuantec is redefining the chitosan manufacturing process to deliver high-quality, high-performance solutions for industries such as biomedical, water purification, and agriscience. By converting waste shrimp shells into a sustainable and traceable source of chitosan, Cuantec is tackling some of the most pressing challenges in material science, resource utilization, and environmental sustainability.
The global need for sustainable materials is growing rapidly. In water purification, for example, the demand for effective and eco-friendly solutions has led to the increased adoption of bio-based flocculants. In biomedical applications, high-specification chitosan is crucial for products like wound care materials. Meanwhile, agriscience relies on biostimulants to improve crop yields while minimizing environmental impacts. However, traditional supply chains for chitosan are fraught with inefficiencies, high costs, and concerns over sustainability and traceability.
Cuantec bridges these gaps by turning waste raw shrimp shells into a valuable input for its innovative process. Using advanced techniques such as demineralization, deacetylation, and deproteination, Cuantec creates chitosan of unparalleled quality and performance. This approach not only delivers an exceptional product but also contributes to waste reduction and circular economy goals.
Despite the clear benefits, the time required for adoption in industries like water purification—where lab trials, field testing, and lengthy commercial discussions are standard—poses challenges. Cuantec is addressing these hurdles through a strategic focus on customer engagement, cost optimization, and extended funding to accelerate market entry and adoption.
Greenbackers is pleased to introduce CuanTec, that upcycles waste raw shrimp shell from the fishing industry and manufactures high quality, high specification Chitosan in Scotland for valuable biomedical, water purification, agri-science and specialist industrial uses.
Why CuanTec:
- Innovative technology: Cuantec’s proprietary process transforms low-cost, waste shrimp shells into high-value chitosan. The process is environmentally friendly, highly efficient, and ensures full traceability of inputs and outputs. The resulting chitosan stands out for its exceptional quality and performance, making it ideal for demanding applications in the medical, agriscience, water purification, and industrial sectors. By leveraging a sustainable feedstock and reducing reliance on imported chitosan, Cuantec provides an ethical and eco-conscious alternative to conventional sources.
- Commercial traction: Cuantec operates from a fully functional site with ISO 9001, 14001, and 45001 certifications, as well as Halal accreditation, ensuring compliance with international quality standards. The company has secured its first customer and is actively engaged in field trials and collaborative stages with four additional customers across its target sectors. Cuantec has also attracted government grants and equity investments, demonstrating confidence in its technology and business model.
- Market potential: The market for chitosan spans multiple high-growth sectors:
- Water purification: Cuantec’s chitosan is being tested as a bio-based flocculant, a critical component for municipal water companies and purification service providers.
- Biomedical applications: The demand for high-quality chitosan in wound care and other medical products offers a lucrative growth opportunity.
- Agriscience: Chitosan’s potential as a biostimulant to improve crop health and yields makes it a valuable input for sustainable agriculture.
Investment Snapshot:
- Type: Seed
- Target amount: £1.2m
- Minimum contribution: £100k
For further information or to speak with CuanTec directly contact Annika Borrmann at [email protected]
