CHITELIX is a circular-biotech company from Bizerte, Tunisia, that transforms an environmental nuisance—the invasive blue crab (Callinectes sapidus)—into high-value chitosan and marine-calcium solutions for advanced water treatment.
What we do
Upcycling at scale – Our proprietary, low-energy extraction platform converts crab-shell waste into ultrapure chitosan flocculants, adsorbent beads, and antimicrobial coatings while recovering calcium salts for pH buffering and phosphorous precipitation., Performance that rivals synthetics – Tunable molecular weight (50 k–1 M Da) and > 90 % de-acetylation give CHITELIX® chitosan exceptional charge density, enabling rapid removal of turbidity, heavy metals, dyes, oils, micro-plastics, and pathogens across pH 4–9., Drop-in compatibility – Our products retrofit existing sand-filter, membrane, and DAF systems, reducing alum/sludge volumes by up to 60 % and cutting sludge-disposal costs., Green by design – 100 % biodegradable, food-contact compliant, and derived from waste, CHITELIX solutions slash CO₂e by > 70 % versus petro-based coagulants, aligning with EU Green Deal and UNEP Global Plastics Treaty objectives.
Why it matters
Every tonne of crab shells diverted from landfill prevents ~3 t CO₂e and yields enough biopolymer to treat 40 000 m³ of industrial effluent or 160 million l of drinking water. By valorising a local waste stream, we create rural jobs, restore marine ecosystems, and secure a traceable supply of critical bio-materials for Africa, MENA, and Europe.
Our edge
Deep science + local impact – Backed by Institut Pasteur de Tunis and CBBC, we tailor functionalised chitosan (lactate, nano-gels) for desalination pre-treatment, heavy-metal mining effluents, and ag-runoff polishing., Youth-powered R&D culture – A team of engineers and PhDs under 35 drives continuous innovation; expertise is augmented via partnerships and royalty-based co-developments to stay asset-light yet globally scalable., Market validation – Top Innovator 2024 (WEF UpLink), WeMed Award 2024, many ongoing projects
CHITELIX invites utilities, EPC contractors, and solution integrators to co-design the next generation of clean-water technologies—turning ocean waste into safe, affordable water for all.