India’s first shrimp shell biorefinery plant, established by Longshore Technologies Private Limited in Maharashtra, receives technological support from ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, advancing the circular economy in the shrimp processing industry.
In a groundbreaking achievement, ICAR-CIFT, Kochi, supported the creation of India’s first shrimp shell biorefinery. This innovative initiative tackles the critical challenge of shrimp processing waste, setting a new standard for sustainable industrial practices in the fisheries sector.
Dr George Ninan, Director, ICAR-CIFT, emphasized that this project reflects ICAR-CIFT’s dedication to creating practical and scalable solutions for India’s fisheries industry. By bridging the gap between scientific research and industrial application, ICAR-CIFT continues to lead the way in demonstrating how sustainable technologies can revolutionize industries, foster entrepreneurship, and create employment opportunities, he added.
For years, India’s shrimp processing industry has been facing challenges in managing shrimp waste, which has often been viewed as an environmental burden. However, recognizing the potential of shrimp shell waste as a valuable resource, ICAR-CIFT pioneered the development of advanced technologies to transform this by-product into high-value products. The institute’s efforts highlight its dedication to promoting sustainability within India’s blue economy.
This achievement is notable for its contribution to a circular economy, where waste from one process is transformed into raw material for another. ICAR-CIFT’s shrimp shell biorefinery technology not only minimizes environmental impact but also produces valuable byproducts like chitin, chitosan, and shrimp protein hydrolysate, which are in high demand across industries such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.
The journey began in 2020 at ICAR-CIFT’s Veraval Research Centre when Amey Naik, a young entrepreneur and EDII Gujarat graduate, began exploring the potential of shrimp waste. With guidance from ICAR-CIFT scientists, Naik developed a strong interest in chitin- and chitosan-based products. This led to a partnership with ICAR-CIFT, Kochi, for technology transfer.
ICAR-CIFT, known for its excellence in fisheries post-harvest technologies, played a crucial role in optimizing eco-friendly processes to extract proteins, chitin, and chitosan from shrimp shell waste. These innovations align with ICAR-CIFT’s commitment to promote circular economy practices within the seafood industry.