An innovative startup from Sassari is revolutionizing the world of plastics, creating a ecological and sustainable material using fish waste. The Relicta company has created a bioplastic that is not only easily disposable, but that is dissolves completely in watersolving one of the main problems related to plastic waste.
This material was developed from fish bones and skinlike salmon, but the team is already studying other types of fish. Relicta’s bioplastic has the ability to behave like a traditional plastic, but without harmful environmental impacts that characterize conventional plastics.
The great innovation lies in the fact that the material, once unused, dissolves in water: it takes approx 20 days to dissolve in sea or at room temperature, while in boiling water the process is almost immediate.
This material can be consumed by fish
Furthermore, although it dissolves in water, this material has no negative effect on the environment, as it does for marine fauna and can even be consumed by fish. Bioplastic, making it suitable for multiple uses, like traditional plastic, although it is not suitable for products such as water bottles.
The idea of this bioplastic was born in 2017 thanks to the researcher Davide Sanna who developed the material with the support of a team of young researchers from different disciplines. The startup has received strong support, including funding from important investors and companies, and has participated in numerous tenders, gaining the attention of large international companies.
They were among the first to take an interest in Relicta bioplastic companies in the fish industryas the material is highly in line with the principles of the circular economy, using waste that is normally discarded.
The path of the startup, which is based in Sassari, has been characterized by growing success. Despite initial difficulties in the local market, Relicta found positive feedback especially outside Sardinia, but now island politics and innovation are starting to pay attention to the project. The startup is awaiting the signing of a contract that could bring it to international fame, a step that could mark a real turning point in the bioplastics sector.
