Shrimps consumption has considerably increased worldwide. With higher consumption, there is an increased amount of excess heads and shells that are generated. It is a well-known fact that shrimp meat makes up only 50% of the shrimp while the shells, heads, and tails make up the other 50% and are discarded. With an increased consumption and processing of shrimps comes the problem of managing waste. India alone generates 150,000 tons of shrimp heads and shells per annum.

Chitosan originates from shrimp shells and is biocompatible and biodegradable as well as nontoxic, unlike other chemical products. Furthermore, the easy availability of shrimps reduces the manufacturing cost of Chitosan thus, making it widely available and will enhance the market growth.

Shrimp heads and shells contain protein, Chitin, and minerals. Removing protein and minerals gives us Chitin. Chitin is a raw material for Chitosan and Glucosamine hydrochloride. Chitosan can be used to make bioplastic materials for plastic packaging and Biodegradable plastic which can be made from Chitosan does not simply replace the carbon source of polymer but actually replaces the carbon-based plastic polymer and is a totally biodegradable and sustainable material. The latest discovery of biodegradable plastic by researchers at Harvard University proves that leftover can replace the toxic plastic, which is choking the planet. Biodegradable plastic will be in demand in the very near future and has great potential.