Who We Are and What We Do
At Neptune Nanotechnologies, we are redefining material science by harnessing the power of chitin nanocrystals derived from organic fishing waste. Our mission is to create innovative, sustainable solutions that elevate the performance of everyday materials while reducing environmental impact. By converting discarded crustacean shells into a bio-based, biodegradable, and high-performance additive, we aim to drive change in industries that need sustainable alternatives the most.
Our team of forward-thinkers, engineers, and innovators are committed to solving global material challenges by providing eco-friendly solutions for packaging, coatings, and beyond. We believe in a future where sustainability and performance go hand-in-hand, and we’re proud to be at the forefront of this transformation
Needs and Opportunities
Needs
Industries worldwide are grappling with the challenge of balancing sustainability with performance. The pulp and paper sector seeks stronger, water-resistant, and fully recyclable products without relying on synthetic chemicals. Similarly, epoxy resins require solutions to improve strength, toxicity, and impact resistance, while packaging materials need alternatives to non-biodegradable plastics that maintain strength and barrier properties. Across these industries, the need for innovative, environmentally friendly materials has never been more urgent.
Opportunities
Neptune Nanotechnologies sits at the intersection of performance and sustainability, offering a unique opportunity to revolutionize these industries. As global regulations tighten and consumers demand greener products, our Chitin Nanocrystals technology provides a natural solution to replace petroleum-based additives and synthetic chemicals. By addressing both compliance and performance needs, we enable companies to achieve their sustainability goals without compromising functionality. The growing market demand for eco-friendly innovations positions Neptune as a key partner in creating a circular, sustainable economy.
Solutions
Neptune’s chitin nanocrystals deliver tangible, scalable benefits:
For Pulp & Paper: Our Chitin Nanocrystals enhance strength, improve water and oil resistance, and make paper products fully recyclable. Manufacturers can achieve performance without sacrificing sustainability.
For Epoxy Resins: By adding as little as 0.25% of our Chitin Nanocrystals, epoxy resins become stronger, more durable, and flame-retardant. This lightweight, high-performance additive transforms epoxy into a safer and more reliable material for industries like aerospace and construction.
For Packaging: Our Chitin Nanocrystals improve barrier properties against oil, water, and oxygen, enabling the development of lightweight, durable, and biodegradable packaging. This innovation reduces reliance on single-use plastics and aligns with the global shift toward sustainable packaging solutions
🌊 In this demonstration, we showcase the impressive water resistance achieved by incorporating just 3.5% of our bio-based chitin nanocrystals through dip coating.
This innovation is a game-changer for the molded fiber and paper industry, offering:
-Enhanced water resistance -Superior durability
-A sustainable alternative to synthetic coatings and plastic liners
Our chitin nanocrystals, derived from organic waste, provide a biodegradable and eco-friendly solution that meets the performance demands of modern packaging while reducing environmental impact.
Discover how Neptune Nanotechnologies is transforming the molded fiber industry with our cutting-edge chitin nanocrystals.
In this Oil Resistance Test, a 3.5% dip-coated application showcases exceptional oil resistance, paving the way for high-performance, biodegradable packaging solutions.
📌 Why it matters: Eco-friendly alternative to traditional chemical coatings Improved performance in molded fiber packaging 100% recyclable and biodegradable Join us in creating a more sustainable future with advanced nanotechnology.
Fire Retardancy Testing of Paper with Chitin Nanocrystals
In this video, we demonstrate the impressive fire resistance properties of our chitin nanocrystals. Two paper samples are burned for 10 seconds, showcasing the significant difference in performance. The sample containing 1% chitin nanocrystals exhibits excellent flame retardancy, highlighting the potential of our innovative technology to enhance material safety and performance.
At Neptune Nanotechnologies, we are dedicated to developing sustainable solutions that address key industry challenges. Our chitin nanocrystals offer a unique advantage in various applications, including improving the fire resistance of materials.
Experienced Team
Founder and CEO
Aaron Guan
Mr. Guan is recognized as one of the most innovative young serial entrepreneurs (Forbes 30 Under 30) and one of the most influential people under 35 in the plastics industry (Rising Star 2015 by Plastics News), Aaron Guan is the Founder and CEO of Neptune Nanotechnologies Inc. He also serves as Board Director and Newsletter Chair for the Society of Plastic Engineers' Thermoplastic Materials and Foams Division.
Mr. Guan received both his B.A.Sc and M.A.Sc in mechanical engineering at the University of Toronto, he has a number of patents and publications in the fields of bio-based nano-reinforcement, biopolymers, thermoplastics, and composites. Decorated with multiple awards recognizing his efforts in the development of sustainable biobased nanotechnology and entrepreneurship, Aaron founded Neptune in 2022 which specializes in the development of a novel nano-material known as chitin nanocrystal, a fishing waste-sourced single crystal with a wide range of applications.
CFO
Winfield Ding
Mr. Ding is a chartered professional accountant of Ontario working mainly as CFO or director for public and private companies. Beyond serving Neptune Nanotechnologies Inc. as the part-time CFO, he is also currently the Director and part-time CFO of New Frontier Ventures Inc. (CSE: VFI-X), part-time CFO of the MINT Corp. (TSXV: MIT), Director and Audit Committee Chair of CF Energy Corp. (TSXV: CFY), and consultant for a few private companies including Principle Capital Partners Corp. and its several investment funds. Over the years he served a few other public companies as CFO.
Winfield was a former Audit Manager of McGovern Hurley Cunningham LLP, specializing in auditing public companies. Clients were in industries including mining, oil and gas, energy distributing, and manufacturing (chemical, electrical, new energy, and forestry). Winfield was involved with some companies’ going public transactions (IPO, RTO, CPC QT transactions). Winfield is a Licensed Public Accountant.
Sr. Scientist
Dr. Sara Koul
Saraswati Koul, Ph.D. in Applied Chemistry and Polymer Technology from India, Delhi Technological University) with nearly 2 decades of R&D experience. Dr. Koul has held progressively more senior titles working as research scientist for Dow Chemicals, GE-Plastics & Moen focused on lab-scaling, product commercialization and designing of sustainable new products. Her domains of expertise lies in Automotive & Aerospace Composites, Coatings, Corrosion Prevention, Flexible packaging, Sustainable Biomaterials and 2D Disruptive Nanotechnologies
Business Development Manager
Spencer Pieczonka
Mr. Pieczonka, BComm from Saint Mary's University. Previously, founded and successfully sold Maritime Reused Plastic Products (recycled plastic interior furniture and furnishings), showcasing his strategic business acumen. Spencer's experience extends to consulting for Fortune 100-500 companies, including industry leaders like Sanofi, Clorox, and Unilever. Bringing this wealth of experience to Neptune, he plays a vital role in driving business development. His commitment to innovation and sustainability aligns seamlessly with Neptune's mission to revolutionize industries through chitin nanocrystals. Spencer's dynamic approach and entrepreneurial spirit significantly contribute to Neptune's success in the nanotechnology and sustainable materials sectors.