Scottish start-up makes bioplastics from langoustine shells
Scottish biotech firm CuanTec has developed an antimicrobial food wrapping made from the shells of langoustines, which could extend the shelf-life of seafood. The "biodegradable and compostable" wrapping created in response to the need to reduce reliance on petroleum-based plastics, will help reduce landfill and cut down on food waste and spoilage, which costs the UK retail and manufacturing sectors £2bn a year, according to The National.
In Scotland, a biotech startup called CuanTec has developed a shelf-life-extending food wrapping for seafood made from the shells of langoustines.

“The push towards elimination of petroleum plastic from the food chain across Europe has created a void in the market,” CEO Dr Cait Murray-Green says. “This allowed us to create a food contact material which is anti-microbial, biodegradable and compostable and for this to be a first to market in the bioplastic food wrapping sector.”

The company also produces salmon feed from processing byproducts. “We are searching for and establishing relationships with Scottish companies in the food and drink sector,” Murray-Green adds. “That is key to taking CuanTec forward. It is a true circular economy example, as our suppliers can also be our customers.”

According to The National, the UK seafood industry loses £2 billion annually to food waste and spoilage. CuanTec’s bioplastic won the company the £150,000 Higgs Edge award last week.