Tunisian Startup Chitelix Transforms Waste into Valuable Resources
In Bizerte, a Tunisian startup is transforming what others consider waste into precious resources for industry. Chitelix, founded by Anis Ben Ghalia and his co-founder, was born out of a simple observation: the export of blue crab generates tons of waste every day, a major problem for industrialists.
Giving New Life to Waste
Instead of throwing them away, Chitelix has found a way to give a second life to these leftovers. Thanks to a network of scientists, the startup has developed a method to extract chitosan, a natural biopolymer that can replace petrochemical plastics and enter various sectors such as agriculture, cosmetics, pharmacy, or bioplastics.
Pilot Plant for Innovation
Located on 1,300 m² at the agri-food hub of Bizerte, Chitelix's pilot plant produces chitosan and calcium citrate from crab waste. Each ton of raw material allows for the recovery of approximately 150 kg of chitosan, which is then transformed into agricultural or cosmetic products.
Two Main Axes of Activity
Chitelix's activity is dominated by two main axes:
- Chitelix Agri: a range of products for agriculture, rich in calcium and other nutrients, soon to be approved for export.
- Cosmetics: where chitosan is used to develop active ingredients for wrinkle reduction, wound healing, and hair care.
Partnerships and Collaborations
Chitelix works with industrialists, research centers such as the Pasteur Institute or INAT, as well as with farmers and international partners (Malaysia, Thailand, Australia, Canada, and South Korea). Among the ongoing projects, we can mention bioplastics and superabsorbent polymers, capable of replacing chemical products in baby diapers or water treatment.
Team and Ambitions
The team consists of 20 people, mainly engineers and doctoral students, with a majority of women, reflecting an inclusive vision of innovation. Supported by STB Invest, STB Manager, and BH Equity, Chitelix is preparing to raise funds this year to increase its production in Europe, diversify its product range, and obtain new international certifications.
Local Impact and Awareness
Every day, the startup can process up to 5 tons of waste, transformed into chitosan or other high-value-added ingredients within a few days. Chitelix collects waste directly from local industries and has carried out awareness-raising actions among farmers, mainly in the regions of Bizerte, Cap Bon, and Ben Arous, in parallel with social media campaigns to reach the rest of the country.
To Be Continued...
