Health benefits from chitin processing wastewater

We are excited to continue our collaboration with Primex ehf in a project to convert bio-industrial waste into high value products. Primex ehf, an Icelandic marine biotech company, is a global leader in the manufacture and supply of pure chitin and chitosan products obtained from upcycled shrimp shell after shrimp peeling. Industrial waste recovered from chitin production contains valuable natural molecules such as minerals, proteins, polyunsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants (carotenoids).

CryoXpand® technology, based on the expansion of liquid-dense CO2, can effectively transform by-products into stable, solid micronized dosage forms to be used as food supplements or nutraceuticals, with clear benefits to public health.

The two companies have been partnering in R&D programs partially financed by two Icelandic funding bodies, the Northeast Iceland Development Fund (SSNE) to support regional development and the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate to support the circular economy (HRINGRAS).

The project focuses on the recovery of wastewater generated during chitin manufacturing and the conversion of upcycled bio-residues into micronized delivery systems.