Sustainable organic nanomaterial
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Stonger than steel, lighter than plastic. Taking this super ingredient to market.
Validating a sustainable nantotechnology in real-world settings
The Opportunity
Shellfish like lobsters can thank chitin for the hardness of their claws. It’s light, strong and biodegradable. Neptune Nanotechnologies recognized the tremendous potential of this remarkable ingredient for a range of applications where strength, weight, water resistance, flame retardancy and environmental sustainability are crucial. The packaging industry is one key area that Neptune has their eye on.
The Challenge
Neptune Nanotechnologies discovered a way to use waste streams from the fishing industry to integrate chitin into various products, increasing their strength and stability, while reducing their weight and environmental footprint. Now it’s time to move this innovation from the lab to the real world, and test their technology with real customers in real applications.
We have to worry about customer engagements, field testing, scale up, and all of that is very resource- and capital-intensive for a small Canadian company. It is absolutely fantastic that NPC offered us this opportunity.
NPC’s Solution
Through NPC’s Proof of Concept Program, Neptune Nanotechnologies is conducting pilots with paper packaging producers, such as those that make trays to carry takeout coffee. Neptune aims to show that their nanotech will make the trays stronger, moisture resistant, lighter and ultimately superior to the current paper packaging options.
NPC is committed to the creation of natural products that are better for people, animals and the planet. We propel early-stage Canadian innovators with the advice, connections and capital they need to develop and de-risk their solutions quickly and efficiently.
Neptune Nanotechnologies
Description:
Sector(s):
Packaging, Apparel, BiomaterialsFunding Type:
Proof of ConceptProvince:
OntarioFunding Amount:
$250,000
Year of Funding:
2024
Name:
Aaron Guan
