Cascading valorisation platform for agricultural biomass side streams
A cascading biomass valorisation platform that fractionates agricultural processing residues into functional streams including pectin-rich binders, cellulose-rich fibres, and natural polymers. Enables multiple commercial outputs from a single feedstock, supporting circular manufacturing in bio-based composites, coatings, and textile materials.
Overview
This cascading biomass valorisation platform transforms agricultural processing residues into multiple functional streams rather than treating them as waste. By fractionating side streams into pectin-rich binders, cellulose-rich fibres, and other natural polymers, the approach creates several commercial outputs from a single feedstock. The platform is designed to integrate with existing processing operations, supporting scalable circular manufacturing while reducing disposal requirements and maximising value from each component.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Fractionation of agricultural residues into targeted functional streams including residual pectin, cellulose-rich fibres, and additional natural polymers
- Production of bio-based composites, coatings, and textile materials from recovered fractions
- Cascading approach that directs each component to its highest-value application
- Integration capability with existing processing operations
- Circular manufacturing pathway that reduces waste while generating multiple value streams
Technology readiness level
The platform is currently at an early-to-mid stage of development. Future validation will begin with compositional analysis of representative side streams to map variability and identify target fractions. Fractionation methods will be evaluated to recover residual pectin, cellulose-rich fibres, and other functional components, followed by characterisation and assessment for suitability in biomaterials, composites, and coatings. Promising pathways will advance through laboratory and pilot-scale trials, with subsequent process optimisation and techno-economic assessment. The final stage will evaluate integration into existing processing operations, prioritising scalable, commercially viable solutions.
About Materially Kiwi
Materially Kiwi is a New Zealand-based climate technology company that transforms rejected kiwifruit—by-products deemed unsuitable for export—into premium, plastic-free, plant-based bio-materials. Founded in 2021 by Shelley Houston and Chris Harper, the company processes these horticultural waste streams into durable, flexible materials suitable for applications in luxury fashion, automotive interiors, and other manufacturing sectors. By leveraging circular economy principles, the startup aims to provide a sustainable alternative to conventional leather and synthetic materials while reducing agricultural waste.
The company's work is significant for its potential to provide high-value, sustainable material solutions to a global market. Having evolved from an artisan project to a serious materials platform, Materially Kiwi has garnered interest from over 80 international brands, including major automotive manufacturers like BMW and Volkswagen, for applications such as vehicle interiors and luxury goods. The business is currently scaling its operations, with plans for a pilot factory in New Zealand's Bay of Plenty region to support commercial production and further advance its bio-based material science.
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