Pioneering circular economy in the Czech Republic - NAFIGATE Corporation


Title: NAFIGATE Corporation

Country: Czech Republic

Bio-based sector: The company is one of the world's leading producers of the biopolymer P3HB

Description:

The company is a leader in the Czech Republic in the sector of innovation and development of circular products and technologies. It can be considered a Czech pioneer in the circular economy, as it is one of the world's leading producers of the biopolymer P3HB.  Hydal biotechnology, which is the basis of the business activities, was developed in 2012 together with the Brno University of Technology and the Institute of Microbiology of the CAS. In 2015, the company won a Frost & Sullivan award for its Hydal nanofiber water purification membrane and biotechnology. Also in 2015 they conducted research into the potential use of nanofibers in cosmetics. As a result, the company NAFIGATE Cosmetics was founded. The company launched new nanofiber products in 2019 - Nanocleaner and Ecobrane third generation. They also introduced UV protection under the Hydal brand. During the global coronavirus pandemic, the company invested in the production of nanofibre masks for the subsequent production of FFP2 and FPP3 respirators. At the end of 2022, a spin-off project called NAFIGATE Park s.r.o. was established.

Results/lessons learnt:

The basis of Hydal biotechnology is microorganisms and the ability of their metabolism to convert feedstock into product. To convert waste oil into PHA, the company uses the bacteria Cupriavidus necator. The company plans to expand its portfolio of waste streams for further use in biotechnology. They plan to invest in technology for upcycling brewery malt waste.

Contact: Na Strži 1702/65, 140 00 Praha 4 - Nusle, Czechia 28. října 1142/168, Ostrava 70900, Czechia

Link to the website: https://www.nafigate.com