BlueInvest Africa 2024
BELLOMAR
Innovative Cameroonian SME Turns Shrimp Shells into Insulated Bags
Bellomar, a pioneering small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) in Cameroon, is making significant strides in research and development with a unique focus on recycling waste into valuable products. The company has successfully developed an innovative process to manufacture insulated bags from shrimp shells, showcasing its commitment to sustainable practices.
Located in the bustling port city of Douala on the Cameroonian coast, GIC Bellomar has been at the forefront of industrial chemistry and waste recovery since its inception in 2002. The enterprise was established as a spin-off from the University of Douala by a group of ambitious young graduates keen to forge their path in the entrepreneurial world.
GIC Bellomar's growth has primarily been driven by the production of detergents and bleach, catering mainly to local authorities but also to private consumers. This foundation in essential household products has provided the company with a robust platform to expand its innovative ventures, such as the development of eco-friendly insulated bags from shrimp shell waste.
Marine Biotechnologies: Bellomar's Sustainable Innovation
Today, Bellomar is a modest enterprise with eight permanent staff, supplemented by around fifteen casual employees and university trainees. This 'joint initiative group', primarily composed of science faculty graduates, has been dedicated to research, development, and innovation from the outset. Their collaborative efforts with the universities of Douala and Ngaoundéré have culminated in a series of patents, particularly in the field of marine biotechnology.
Marine biotechnology represents a burgeoning domain of research and innovation, both in Africa and globally. The objective is to harness biological resources from the oceans through a multidisciplinary approach, integrating biology, chemistry, and engineering. Currently, marine biotechnologies are predominantly advancing in the health and cosmetics sectors.
Bellomar's foray into marine biotechnology stems from its core research focus: waste recovery. In 2018, the group began exploring shellfish exoskeletons, a significant waste stream in the fishing port of Douala.
"In Cameroon, markets generate thousands of tonnes of shrimp shells, which are discarded without any utilisation," explains Martial Oden Bella, founder of Bellomar. "Upon studying this shrimp waste, we discovered it contained substantial amounts of chitosan, a molecule with diverse properties: antimicrobial, bactericidal, fat-sequestering, and more. This led us to develop several chitosan-based products."
The range of chitosan-derived products includes biodegradable plastic packaging, obesity-combatting capsules, antiseptic soap, toothpaste, and eventually, isothermal bags.
Replacing Polystyrene: Bellomar's Innovative Solution
"While working with chitosan, we realised its potential as a replacement for polystyrene in isothermal materials," says Martial Oden Bella. "However, it required blending with other substances to create a practical material. Thus, we developed an insulator comprising chitosan, manioc starch, and sawdust. We patented this invention in August 2021."
Following this breakthrough, Bellomar initiated a small-scale regular production of insulated bags at its facility. Typically, one tonne of shrimp waste provides enough material to produce 15 to 20 bags. The insulating material is then supplied to local seamstresses who assemble the bags. These insulated bags are available for purchase at Bellomar's premises and various partner shops. They are primarily used to maintain the cold chain for food and pharmaceutical products.
Collagen, Paper, and Sweets: Bellomar's Ongoing Innovations
Bellomar's research efforts have been primarily funded by income from its core activities, with additional financial backing from the Cameroonian diaspora in Germany. However, to scale up its operations, Bellomar is actively seeking investors and partners. The patent for their insulated bags is currently registered with the African Intellectual Property Organisation, encompassing 17 countries, predominantly in French-speaking West Africa. Bellomar's legal team is working to expand this geographical coverage, enabling the manufacturing process to be sold and utilised elsewhere in Africa and globally.
Meanwhile, Bellomar continues its research and development initiatives. The team is currently working on a method to extract marine collagen from fish waste. They have also developed a process for producing paper from water hyacinths, an invasive plant native to South America that is now proliferating in Africa's wetlands. Additionally, Bellomar produces sweets from oyster meal, which help children to address protein and mineral deficiencies outside the fishing season.
There's no shortage of innovative ideas at Bellomar.
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