Pioneering India's First Shrimp Shell Biorefinery

First shrimp shell biorefinery plant (Longshore Technologies Private Limited, Maharashtra) of India: Technological support of ICAR-CIFT towards enhancing the circular economy in the shrimp processing industry

In a groundbreaking achievement, the ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (ICAR-CIFT), Kochi, has facilitated the establishment of India’s first shrimp shell biorefinery. This pioneering initiative addresses the pressing issues of shrimp processing waste while setting a benchmark for sustainable industrial practices in the fisheries sector.

For decades, India’s shrimp processing industry has struggled with managing shrimp waste, often considered an environmental liability. Recognizing the potential of shrimp shell waste as a valuable resource, ICAR-CIFT, Kochi, took the lead in developing advanced technologies to convert this byproduct into high-value products. The institute’s efforts underscore its commitment to integrating sustainability into India's blue economy.

This achievement is significant as it contributes to a circular economy, where waste from one process becomes raw material for another. ICAR-CIFT’s shrimp shell biorefinery technology not only reduces environmental impact but also produces valuable products such as chitin, chitosan, and shrimp protein hydrolysate. These products are in high demand across industries, including agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.

The journey began in 2020 at ICAR-CIFT’s Veraval Research Centre when Amey Naik, a young entrepreneur and graduate from EDII, Gujarat, explored the potential of shrimp waste. Guided by ICAR-CIFT scientists, Naik developed a keen interest in chitin and chitosan-based products. This interest culminated in a partnership with ICAR-CIFT, Kochi, for technology transfer.

ICAR-CIFT, known for its excellence in fisheries post-harvest technologies, played a crucial role in optimizing eco-friendly processes to extract proteins, chitin, and chitosan from shrimp shell waste. These innovations align with ICAR-CIFT’s commitment to promoting circular economy practices within the seafood industry.

Between 2022 and 2023, ICAR-CIFT’s dedicated scientific team, including the Head of the Fish Processing Division, Dr. Bindu J., and the technology development team led by Dr. Elavarasan K., along with co-developers Dr. Renuka V., Dr. Jeyakumari A., and Dr. Tejpal C.S., worked diligently to realize Naik’s vision. The team conducted pilot-scale trials, optimized processes, and facilitated networking with stakeholders, including MPEDA and chitin manufacturers.

Today, Longshore Technologies Pvt. Ltd., based in Mumbai, processes two tons of shrimp shell waste daily, producing shrimp protein hydrolysate, chitin, and chitosan. This initiative significantly reduces environmental waste and enhances economic viability. With an annual capacity of 400 tons of shrimp waste, the facility generates employment for seven individuals and achieves a projected turnover of ₹25 lakhs.

CIFT Director, Dr. George Ninan, emphasized that this project reflects ICAR-CIFT’s dedication to creating practical and scalable solutions for India’s fisheries industry. By bridging the gap between scientific research and industrial application, ICAR-CIFT continues to lead the way in demonstrating how sustainable technologies can revolutionize industries, foster entrepreneurship, and create employment opportunities.

 
Shrimp shell biorefinery technology demonstration in ICAR-CIFT, Cochin

Shrimp shell waste – raw material for protein, chitin, caroteno-protein and chitin, used for Technology demonstration

 
Longshore Technology on indiamart

 
Established Shrimp shell biorefinery plant with the processing capacity of 2 tons per day under the technical support of ICAR-CIFT, Cochin in Taloja, Mumbai.

 
Hydrolysed shrimp protein liquid and chitin from shrimp shell waste at the biorefinery plant established by the support ICAR-CIFT, Cochin

 
Protein hydrolysate and chitosan produced from shrimp shell waste by Longshore Technology using the technology developed ICAR-CIFT, Cochin