Wood and CuanTec to accelerate circular economy solutions in the UK

Wood, the global consulting and engineering company, will work with CuanTec Ltd., a Scottish circular economy business, to develop cutting edge separation facilities that will process shellfish waste to extract chitin, a naturally occurring, 100% compostable biopolymer with a wide range of applications in the pharmaceutical, cosmetics and food industries.

The contract will see Wood provide the front-end engineering design (FEED) to deliver modifications for CuanTec’s newly acquired separation plant in Glenrothes, Scotland, followed by the expansion of that facility. Wood will then continue to provide the FEED, engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) of additional new production facilities in the UK and globally which will enable mass production of CuanTec’s ultra-pure chitin and chitin-based products.

Wood will leverage its extensive engineering capability and experience to develop facilities that are ready for responsible, efficient and safe production and will support the development of a circular economy within the UK’s materials industry.

CuanTec’s proprietary technologies use a novel, scientifically proven method to process shellffish waste in an environmentally friendly way, producing valuable, high-quality chitin, with no CO2 emissions. CuanTec will also contribute to the circular economy through the production of chitin-based bioplastics that are biodegradable and have naturally antimicrobial properties which can extend the shelf life of foods wrapped within it, preventing further wastage.

Ellis Renforth, Wood’s President of Operations for Europe, Middle East and Africa, said: “We are delighted to have secured this contract with CuanTec to develop their landmark facilities and bring their innovative sustainable packaging solution to life.

“Helping clients within materials markets embrace the benefits of a circular economy is a growth opportunity for Wood and allows us to leverage our engineering and operations expertise to maximise value for our clients. We look forward to building our relationship with CuanTec to support their critical work in developing sustainable solutions and helping the world reduce carbon emmissions and single-use plastic.”

Craig Sterling, CEO of CuanTec stated:  “Given the importance of this work to CuanTec, we went through a very intensive process to find the right engineering firm who could not only deliver the high level of technical expertise needed for this project, but who could also partner with us on our future projects as we expand globally. Wood has the expertise, technical team, and global reach to do just that. I am delighted that we were able to reach agreement with Wood and look forward to the partnership as we move forward.”

This contract will be delivered by Wood’s engineering team in Glasgow, part of the company’s Operations business unit, on a reimbursable basis.