Schutzen Chemical Group wins ISC3 Innovation Award for tamarind-based polymers
The Indian start-up Schutzen Chemical Group has been awarded the 2023 ISC3 Innovation Award for developing bio-based, biodegradable polymers from tamarind seeds as a substitute for fossil-fuel materials.
The International Sustainable Chemistry Collaborative Centre (ISC3) has presented the 2023 Innovation Award, worth 15,000 euros, to Schutzen Chemical Group. The Indian company was recognized for its development of sustainable chemical solutions derived from tamarind seeds, intended to replace synthetic materials like silicones and polyurethanes.
Founder Raj Tanna utilized the seeds, traditionally a waste product of the food industry, to create polymers through a patented depolymerization and carboxylation process. These materials offer functional alternatives in industries ranging from textile production to personal care. Notably, the polymers allow for significant resource efficiency, such as reducing water consumption in indigo dyeing by up to 60 percent by eliminating the need for rewashing.
Since 2020, Schutzen has received support through the ISC3 Global Start-up Service. The initiative aims to promote the transition away from toxic chemicals, such as the resins typically used for wrinkle-free fabric finishing, toward more sustainable, bio-based alternatives.