Tidal Vision Producing Non-Toxic Alternative to Industrial Chemicals

0 shares Share 0 Tweet 0 Pin 0 Share 0 Chitosan is a derivative of chitin, a polysaccharide found in the shells of many insects and crustaceans. It is the most abundant biopolymer in the world, after cellulose …

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Chitosan is a derivative of chitin, a polysaccharide found in the shells of many insects and crustaceans. It is the most abundant biopolymer in the world, after cellulose which is found in plants.

This biopolymer has unique properties. It’s biodegradable, biocompatible, fire-retardant, anti-microbial, non-toxic… the list of positive attributes goes on.

There are over 400 established applications of chitosan across a range of industries, such as water treatment, textiles, agriculture, and food processing.

But where to find chitosan in abundance?

Craig Kasberg, an Alaskan commercial fisherman had a vision. He got the idea to take discarded crab shells from the fishing industry and use them to produce chitosan-based solutions that displace a range of toxic chemicals that are used in many industrial processes.

His company, Tidal Vision, is the only company that commercially produces chitosan in the USA. They have developed their proprietary zero-waste technology to extract chitosan from the shells that would otherwise go to waste.

So how can chitosan make industries more sustainable?

Water treatment processes may benefit from Tidal Clear™, a chitosan acetate that is used to treat stormwater and wastewater.

Chitosan binds to suspended heavy metals, minerals, and hydrocarbons in wastewater, preventing these pollutants from reaching local water bodies.

This way, factories, mining operations, and power plants can not only reduce their environmental impact but also cut operating costs.

Copper- and aluminum-based solutions used in the textile industry can cause a series of health problems and are also an environmental hazard. Tidal Tex™ is a chitosan derivative that replaces synthetic treatments with a green alternative.

Tidal Grow™ is another chitosan-based product that helps plants grow in a 100% natural way. Plant wall cells detect the presence of chitosan, triggering a systematic response throughout the plant, which increases stress resistance, resilience to pests, and productivity.

Through these innovative technologies, this fisherman-turned entrepreneur found a way to encourage sustainable fishery practices while finding a use for a byproduct of no value to create jobs.

Sustainable business at work!

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Nikola Gemeš

Highlights • 10 years of writing and editing experience Obsessed with home decor trends, plant parenting, cleaning, and other lifestyle topics. • Expertise in content marketing and email strategy for brands and small businesses About Nikola Gemeš Nikola Gemeš, an electrical engineer turned sustainability consultant, bridges the gap between complex environmental concepts and GreenCitizen readers with his well-researched, accurate content. His commitment to sustainability extends from his professional life to personal practices of recycling and home-grown food. An adventurer at heart, Nikola enjoys hiking, white-water sports, and pocket knife collecting. At Green Citizen, he's instrumental in presenting the best sustainable brands, aiding well-informed decision-making. He firmly believes in the collective power of individuals, experts, businesses, and governments to foster a world where sustainability, life quality, economic prosperity, diversity, mental health, and gender equality are core values. Experience Nikola Gemeš has a rich and diverse background in electrical engineering, which he utilizes to break down complex sustainability topics for his readers. His unique blend of technical knowledge and communicative skills has made him a crucial part of GreenCitizen. Nikola's experience has honed his ability to navigate through intricate data and research, ensuring the content he delivers is both accurate and reliable. His passion for educating and informing is palpable in the impact he has made on Green Citizen's readership. Outside of his professional endeavors, Nikola is deeply committed to environmental conservation in his personal life. This commitment is reflected in his everyday activities, from recycling to cultivating his own food. His hands-on approach to sustainability gives him a first-hand understanding of practical conservation efforts, further enriching the content he produces. These personal experiences often seep into his work, making it relatable and engaging for readers. Nikola's key role extends to assessing and presenting sustainable brands to his audience. His comprehensive grasp of sustainability allows him to critically evaluate and offer the best environmentally-friendly options available on the market. He aids readers in making informed decisions that have a positive impact on both their lives and the environment. His belief in collective efforts towards a sustainable world is evident in his work, as he consistently promotes values of quality life, economic prosperity, diversity, mental health, and gender equality.