Foreign research group: converting seafood processing waste into nylon

A research team in Scotland is exploring a new bio-based process that can use fish processing waste to produce one of the key components of nylon in what is believed to be a world first
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Plastics experts at Impact Solutions, biotechnology researchers at the University of Edinburgh led by Dr Stephen Wallace, Farne Salmon, a seafood producer owned by La Belle Fine Foods, and the Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre (IBioIC) are exploring ways to be more environmentally friendly and Feasibility of producing synthetic garments in a circular fashion - with particular focus on adipic acid, a precursor to nylon
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The team is using waste produced as part of fish processing and using biological enzymes to extract the fatty components of fish waste
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Through advanced molecular biology, genetically modified bacteria can convert fat components into a mixture of adipic acid and useful by-products
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The feasibility study marks an important step towards finding sustainable, bio-based alternatives for the production of adipic acid, which is often derived from petrochemicals
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It is well known that the steps involved in current processes have a large impact on the environment
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Waste nitrous oxide is one of the many by-products of the process, which some reports suggest may be more harmful to the climate than carbon dioxide
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In addition to nylon, adipic acid is used in a range of products, including polyurethane-based items such as building insulation and furniture cushioning, as well as cosmetics, lubricants, pharmaceuticals, and food additives and flavorings
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The UK's fish processing industry generates up to 492,000 tonnes of waste each year - including fish remains, oil and waste water collected during cleaning at processing plants
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Currently, this waste must undergo expensive and energy-intensive processing and separation, or be used in low-value products such as animal feed or fertilizer, but this new process could find other uses for the waste material
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The waste used in the feasibility study was provided by Farne Salmon, furthering its commitment to eliminating landfill waste and supporting its goal of optimizing the use of by-products
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Liz Fletcher, Director of Commercial Engagement at IBioIC, said: "Exploring sustainable bio-based alternative petrochemical processes is an important step in Scotland's efforts to achieve net zero emissions
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As part of this, there is a huge opportunity to make more use of by-products and reduce waste from industrial waste.
Extracting value from
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Supporting valuable collaborative research like this one underlines IBioIC’s commitment to developing and growing a more circular economy, with various innovative projects and partnerships with organisations such as Zero Waste Scotland starting to unlock new opportunities
for aquaculture Farming and seafood processing are prime examples of sectors exploring new ways to enhance their environmental impact
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