Bio-based chitin nanocrystal additive for enhanced pulp and paper performance
Chitin nanocrystals (CNCs) are offered as a bio-based additive for pulp and paper to improve mechanical strength, moisture resistance, and barrier performance. The approach uses a hybrid extraction process to reduce chemical waste and support high-yield CNC production. CNCs can be applied as a water-based dispersion coating or incorporated as a wet-end additive. Reported performance includes complete water vapor holdout for over 1.5 hours and up to 10x improvement in water and oil resistance, with ASTM F1249-aligned sustainability attributes.
Overview
A bio-based additive derived from crustacean shell waste is provided in the form of chitin nanocrystals (CNCs). These CNCs are designed to enhance the mechanical strength and barrier properties of pulp and paper products. A patented hybrid extraction process is used to reduce chemical waste and support high-yield CNC production. CNCs can be integrated into existing manufacturing workflows either as a coating or as a wet-end additive, enabling use in sustainable packaging applications.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Enhanced mechanical properties: CNCs improve the strength, stiffness, and flexibility of fiber-based substrates.
- Superior barrier performance: Achieves complete water vapor holdout for over 1.5 hours, with a 10x improvement in water and oil resistance.
- Sustainability: Meets ASTM F1249 standards for water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), recyclability, and compostability.
- Versatile application: Can be applied as a water-based dispersion coating or integrated directly into pulp during the manufacturing process.
Technology readiness level
This technology is currently at TRL 4, having demonstrated successful pilot trials and ongoing validation efforts. Future validation will focus on optimizing formulations and conducting pilot-scale trials to simulate real-world conditions, with the goal of meeting commercial and sustainability targets.
About Neptune Nanotechnologies Inc.
Neptune Nanotechnologies Inc. is a bio-nanotechnology startup that specializes in converting organic fishing waste, such as crustacean shells, into high-value chitin nanocrystals. This proprietary technology extracts the naturally occurring chitin—a material known for its strength, light weight, and biodegradability—to create a sustainable, bio-based additive. By integrating these nanocrystals into various materials, the company aims to enhance performance characteristics such as strength, stiffness, and durability, while simultaneously offering a greener, non-toxic alternative to synthetic and petroleum-based chemical additives.
The company serves diverse industries, including aerospace, automotive, biomedical, packaging, and additive manufacturing, by helping them achieve sustainability goals without sacrificing functional requirements. Neptune works to displace hazardous materials and reduce the environmental footprint of finished goods, such as improving the moisture resistance and strength of paper-based packaging. Supported by various commercialization programs and strategic investors, the company is actively moving its technology from research and development into real-world pilot testing and market applications to provide renewable solutions for a circular economy.
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