Grisea is a biotechnology startup with an ambitious goal: to revolutionize the plastic industry by providing more sustainable and eco-friendly solutions.
The search for new technologies to replace conventional plastic is a global urgency due to the negative impacts of excessive use and improper disposal of plastics.
Damages caused by conventional plastic
Conventional plastic is produced from non-renewable resources such as petroleum and takes about 400-500 years to decompose, resulting in large amounts of plastic waste accumulating in landfills and oceans. Additionally, the production process and improper disposal of plastics also release greenhouse gases, contributing to global warming. For these reasons, it is vital to find sustainable and low-impact alternatives such as bioplastics, biologically sourced polymers, and other more modern and advanced technologies. Adopting these technologies would help protect the environment, preserve natural resources, and ensure a more sustainable economy in the long run.
Motivation for brand development
Thus, Grisea was created based on the experience and knowledge of its founder and CEO, Felipe Teixeira, who holds a degree in biomedicine and a master's and doctoral degree in biochemistry. During his doctoral thesis, Felipe studied the use of polymers extracted from marine species for cancer prevention and metastasis. Throughout his research, Felipe discovered that certain marine algae also produce these natural polymers, which could be used not only in medicine but also as raw material for the production of biodegradable plastics. Thus, the first seed for the foundation of Grisea was planted, with a mission to produce environmentally-friendly bioplastics. Aligned with global efforts to reduce plastic, Grisea became the first and only Brazilian startup utilizing marine algae for bioplastic production.
Challenges in bioplastic production
The popularization of bioplastics faces several economic challenges, including the high production cost compared to traditional petroleum-based plastics. Furthermore, the demand for bioplastics is still limited due to a lack of awareness and understanding of their benefits and advantages. Another challenge is the limited availability of renewable raw materials, such as starch sources and vegetable oils, which are used in bioplastic production. Lastly, there is a need for research and development investments to improve bioplastic production technology and make them more accessible and competitive in the market. On the other hand, the infrastructure for selective collection and recycling of conventional plastics is also insufficient in many regions, making recycling and reuse difficult, highlighting the need to develop better alternatives. To invest in research and development to address these and other urgent issues, Grisea was officially founded and began operations in April 2021 after being selected in the first edition of FAPERJ's "Doctor Entrepreneur" grant.
Impacts of biodegradable plastic production
The production of biodegradable plastics has both social and environmental impacts. Socially, the production of biodegradable plastics can generate jobs and economic opportunities in the industry. Environmentally, it can help reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills and oceans, as well as contribute to the preservation of environmental resources when done ethically and responsibly. From the beginning, Grisea has always been concerned with the preservation of marine ecosystems. Therefore, the company sources its algae responsibly, without harming the environment, by purchasing from responsible producers who cultivate algae in marine farms, ensuring the continuity of their raw material source and the balance of ecosystems. In a world where awareness of the negative impact of conventional plastic is increasingly evident, Grisea has a great opportunity to stand out and contribute to building a more sustainable future.
With its knowledge and innovative technology, the company is positioned to revolutionize the packaging and biodegradable plastics market in Brazil. With the support of FAPERJ, Grisea currently
Content and writing by: Felipe Teixeira
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