Fossil-Free Plastics from Aquaculture Waste

Global plastic production exceeded 435 million tonnes in 2020 and is projected to rise to 736 million tonnes by 2040 (OECD, 2022). The vast majority of plastics are still derived from fossil fuels, and less than 10 percent are effectively recycled worldwide. Bioplastics have entered the market as a sustainable alternative, but many still rely on virgin crops, chemical additives, or complex production methods that limit their environmental benefits.

At the same time, new European Union regulations like the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation are pushing for compostable, recyclable, and renewable materials, creating both urgency and opportunity for cleaner material solutions.

Circular Plastics from Shell Waste

Merall produces biobased polymer materials using chitin extracted from our aquaculture waste streams. By combining chitin with other renewable bio-based polymers, we create fully fossil-free, compostable plastics that are suitable for molded and injected applications.

Key features of our materials:

Made entirely from biological resources
Free from synthetic additives and toxic residues
Designed to support compostability and meet European standards
Co-developed with expert partners and our polymer R&D team in Singapore

This approach turns unused shell biomass into high performance materials, avoiding the need for food crops or petroleum inputs.

Aligned with EU and Global Policy

The European Green Deal and the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation aim to ensure that all packaging in the EU is reusable or recyclable by 2030. These initiatives are driving strong demand for biobased and compostable alternatives.

The global bioplastics market is projected to grow beyond 40 billion US dollars by 2032, as legislation, industry pressure, and consumer awareness all converge (European Bioplastics, 2023).

Merall’s materials are suitable for:

Molded products like cutlery, straws, and trays
Sustainable packaging in food, cosmetics, and health sectors
Brands seeking fossil free, transparent material solutions

We have already validated our materials through pilot production, and our technology is ready to scale or license to partners worldwide.

Plastics Reinvented at the Source

Merall’s bioplastics do not just solve a disposal problem. They begin with waste and convert it into useful, circular materials. By integrating protein farming and material development, we create a system where one biomass delivers two valuable outputs.

This is a local, clean, and adaptable model for truly sustainable plastics.