Thanks to a Tunisian innovation, crab and shrimp shells are no longer regarded as mere waste. The startup Chitelix valorizes them by extracting chitosan, a natural biopolymer with multiple applications.
Specialized in biotechnology, this company transforms these marine by-products to develop solutions for the agro-food, cosmetics, and even animal nutrition sectors, as alternatives to petrochemical polymers.
Unlike conventional polymers, chitosan is eco-friendly, biodegradable and effective, offering a sustainable alternative across several sectors.
Various Applications
Thanks to this invention, Chitelix has been able to develop several product lines:
- Agriculture: natural fertilizers and biostimulants to improve crop productivity
- Cosmetics: ingredients for environmentally friendly creams and care products
- Animal nutrition: dietary supplements for animals
This approach not only reduces marine waste but also creates high value-added products, positioning the startup as a key player in Tunisian biotech.
A 100 % Tunisian Innovation
Chitelix perfectly illustrates the potential of local innovation: applied research, sustainability and creativity are at the heart of this project, which transforms an overlooked resource into wealth for several industries.
With Chitelix, Tunisia shows that it can compete in biotechnology and sustainable solutions. Marine by-products, long considered waste, are now becoming a source of innovation and growth for the country.
