As a circular economy company, CuanTec — which has R&D labs in Oban — uses innovative tech to create new materials from natural resources, thereby reducing waste, pollution, and carbon emissions.

The biotech firm’s new separation plant has been leased at the premises of the Fife Food & Business Centre on the Southfield Industrial Estate. Here, CuanTec will take advantage of shellfish waste — which would otherwise be incinerated — to extract chitin. Chitin is a naturally occurring biopolymer found in the exoskeletons and shells of a range of organisms, and has a multitude of applications in industries including pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.

The company utilises chitin for its bio-based film — a product designed to replace single-use plastics.

CuanTec’s decision to choose Glenrothes as its new manufacturing base is said to be creating around 20 “green” jobs, with the likes of Fife Council Economic Development and Business Gateway Fife supporting CuanTec’s move to inwardly invest and generate more green jobs for the region.

CuanTec has also received assistance from Scottish Enterprise’s Green Jobs Fund — a funding initiative to help businesses create jobs that contribute to improving the environment and reaching net-zero emissions.

“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,” said CEO of CuanTec, Craig Sterling, regarding the news.

“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.”

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Councillor Altany Craik, Fife Council Spokesperson for Finance, Economy & Strategic Planning, also commented, saying: “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.”