CUANTEC has unveiled plans to make Fife its new centre of manufacturing after moving into a new facility in Glenrothes.
The biotech firm, which goes by the motto ‘using waste to eliminate waste naturally‘, is behind flexible bio-based films that act as an alternative to single-use plastic.
CuanTec is supported by InvestFife in leasing premises at the Food Centre, with it set to be used as a ‘cutting-edge’ separation plant. It will utilise shellfish waste that would otherwise be incinerated to extract chitin – a naturally occurring biopolymer with a wide range of applications in the pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and food sectors.
CuanTec’s technology allows it to produce the chitin-based bioplastics which it said are biodegradable, ocean-friendly, compostable, have naturally antimicrobial properties, and can replace fossil-fuel plastic packaging.
The firm, which also has a base in Oban, said around 20 new green jobs are being created through its arrival in Fife, with the business continuing to engage with ‘multiple’ teams across economic development – including Business Property, Inward Investment, and Business Gateway Fife.
Commenting on the move to Fife, Craig Sterling, CEO of CuanTec, said, “We are delighted to be in Glenrothes and see Fife as our future long-term manufacturing base from which every stream of the process can be managed.
“Thank you to Fife Council economic development who have given us invaluable help and support. We highly recommend their team who are driven to bring green jobs to Fife along with the expertise of economic development, Business Gateway Fife, and their many teams who will provide more useful engagement for us as we recruit locally as a green employer in Fife. I would also like to thank Scottish Enterprise and their significant support for CuanTec.”
Councillor Altany Craik, Fife Council spokesperson – finance, economy, & strategic planning, added, “CuanTec’s arrival is fantastic news for Fife. We very much welcome the creation of green employment opportunities from a vibrant sustainable biotech business which has a product with the potential to change the way the world looks at packaging.
“CuanTec tick all the boxes for us in terms of innovation and support of the circular economy. They are to be commended for creating a truly exciting business with global ambition.”
