Scrappy Startups: Innovators Turning Organic Waste into New Products

In Canada, a significant issue in the food and agriculture industry is the staggering amount of food waste generated, totaling 21.8 million tonnes annually. A report from Second Harvest highlights that 32% of this waste occurs during processing and manufacturing. This waste not only represents lost resources but also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for 8 to 10 percent of Canada’s total emissions, with 11 million tonnes of GHGs produced each year from food waste alone.

Innovative startups are addressing the challenges posed by food waste by transforming agricultural byproducts into valuable products across various industries. By shifting the food system from a linear model to a circular bioeconomy, these ventures are rethinking sustainability while generating economic value.

ALT TEX is producing biodegradable fabrics from food scraps, particularly fruits and vegetables high in sugar content, such as potato skins. Their fermentation process yields a resin that can be processed similarly to conventional polyester. The outcome is a strong and durable yarn that is also eco-friendly.

Born Maverick is creating a sustainable chocolate alternative using date seeds, which undergo fermentation to replicate the sensory experience of traditional cocoa. This method aims to address challenges in the chocolate industry, including climate change and human rights issues.

Dispersa uses microorganisms to produce biodegradable cleaning products from food waste, specifically discarded oils and sugars. Their fermentation process creates biosurfactants that replace the traditional palm oil and petroleum-based ingredients often used in household products.

Evoco focuses on turning plant waste into foam suitable for various applications, including footwear and furniture, as a replacement for non-biodegradable materials like polyurethane. Their proprietary method converts agricultural and forestry byproducts into compostable polymers with a reduced carbon footprint.

Gaia Refinery enhances the efficiency of direct air capture (DAC) technology through the use of biomass, such as wood chips and crop residues. This process generates acetic acid, which helps isolate and store carbon dioxide more effectively than traditional methods reliant on high energy input.

Genecis tackles the plastic waste crisis by converting food production byproducts into biodegradable plastic. By processing materials like glycerol and whey with specific bacteria, they produce polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), which are transformed into durable bioplastic products. Their innovative approach also includes developing a line of compostable coffee and tea pods, allowing them to maintain higher profit margins while addressing the plastic pollution problem.

Together, these ventures demonstrate the potential of innovative approaches to reaping benefits from food waste and agricultural byproducts. By reframing waste as a resource, they not only contribute to environmental sustainability but also create economic opportunities. Through platforms like MaRS Connect, these startups can connect with investors and ecosystems leaders, paving the way for broader adoption of these pioneering solutions.