Odisha Startup Converts Seafood Waste into Bioplastics

Bhubaneswar: Scientists at Natnov Bioscience, a biotech startup in Odisha recognised by the Union government’s Start-up India initiative and the state’s Mukhya Mantri Krishi Udyog Yojana, are making remarkable strides in addressing seafood waste. This year alone, they aim to convert 5,000 metric tons of seafood waste into bio-economy products, including innovative bioplastics.

The team has developed an eco-friendly bioplastic material that could serve as a sustainable alternative to synthetic plastics. By leveraging the by-products of India’s marine fisheries, particularly crustacean waste, they are tapping into a valuable source of biomaterials and natural compounds.

“Our work focuses on extracting biopolymers from shrimp waste while integrating materials like castor and fillers. The chitin and biopolymer derived from crustacean shells undergo rigorous evaluation for quality, including tests for ash content, moisture, solubility, and yield. The results confirm their high-grade properties,” explained Dr. Siddhartha Pati, scientific director of Natnov Bioscience in Khantapada, Balasore.

In a comparative study, the team assessed the biodegradability of their bioplastic against conventional synthetic plastic, polypropylene. Over weeks of observation, the bioplastic demonstrated significant weight reduction and color changes, showcasing its potential for diverse applications, particularly in food packaging.

“Our bioplastic exhibits potent antimicrobial activity, making it an excellent candidate for food packaging. These bioplastics films not only protect food from microbial contamination but also extend shelf life, which could revolutionize the packaging industry,” added Dr. Pati.

The increasing volume of solid waste due to industrialization and urbanization has underscored the urgent need for sustainable waste management solutions. Natnov Bioscience is addressing this challenge by transforming seafood processing waste into high-value products like biostimulants and bioplastics since more than years. “Through our efforts, we contribute to a cleaner environment while advancing India’s vision of a circular bio-economy,” said Dr. Pati.

The circular bio-economy concept aims to repurpose waste into renewable resources, addressing critical global concerns like environmental degradation and food security. “So far, we have valorized 5,000 metric tonnes of seafood waste, making us the first in Odisha to significantly contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” he noted.

India’s shrimp processing industry generates substantial waste, accounting for 40-60 per cent of shrimp weight. If left untreated, this waste releases harmful gases like ammonia and methane, endangering ecosystems and human health. However, the waste also serves as a rich secondary raw material, offering opportunities to produce chitosan and allied products with applications in food, agriculture, medicine, cosmetology, textiles, and paper industries.

One of the most pressing environmental challenges today is plastic pollution, particularly from single-use plastic products (SUPPs) tied to food packaging. “Plastic waste has become ubiquitous, affecting marine and freshwater ecosystems as well as economies and human societies,” explained Dr. Pati. “Our biopolymer-based bioplastics offer a dual solution: reducing plastic pollution while addressing seafood waste.”

Notably, these bioplastics possess antimicrobial properties, further supporting food security initiatives by extending the freshness of perishable goods. This innovation aligns with India’s Swachh Bharat mission and the global push for sustainable development.

“By transforming waste into value, we are proud to contribute to a cleaner, greener world. Our efforts echo the Prime Minister’s call for a circular economy, creating tangible impacts for India’s environmental and economic landscape,” Dr. Pati concluded.