Replacing $17B in agricultural plastic waste
Industrial-scale seaweed bioplastics for agriculture. Compostable alternatives that eliminate disposal costs while delivering superior performance for farming operations.
A viable alternative to plastic.
The ideal alternative to plastic is water-tight, flexible, durable, and opaque…
And then it goes away.
PhyCo™ is bringing the agriculture industry a plastic alternative that does just that.
About
PhyCo™ is a marine biotechnology company focused on seaweed aquaculture and manufacturing compostable plastics in partnership with Indigenous Nations.
Founded on the belief that innovation must serve both people and planet, we’re addressing the $100 billion agricultural plastic crisis through breakthrough seaweed biorefinery technology.
Most plastic use isn’t consumer-facing – it’s deeply integrated in systems that bring food from farm to table. We’re targeting the 70% of plastic use that happens behind the scenes, where real environmental impact can be made.
Our mission is simple: replace petroleum-based plastics with compostable, carbon-negative alternatives that farmers actually want to use.
Most plastic use isn't consumer-facing.
Plastic is deeply integrated in the systems that bring our food from farm to table.
Canadian farmers use
The Agrifoods industry accounts for
PhyCo is using seaweed to bring compostable, petroleum-free plastic to Canada.
Why seaweed?
Native to Canada
Canada’s coastline is home to native seaweed species, allowing us to work with local ecosystems sustainably.
Fast-Growing
Some species of seaweed can grow substantially in as little as 3-6 weeks, making seaweed an ideal crop for high production yields.
Low-Maintenance
Seaweeds native to BC are low-maintenance crops, and don’t require pesticides or fertilizers.
Sequesters Carbon
Like trees, seaweed captures carbon when growing, minimizing environmental impact vs. petroleum plastics.
Our Team.
Ranah Chavoshi
Co-Founder, CEO
Marine biologist specializing in acquatic toxicology and phycology, 7+ years of experience with experience in equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Dr. Stacey Goldberg
Co-Founder, CSO
PhD in biomedical sciences, M.Sc. in Biotechnology from Johns Hopkins. 25 years of scientific research and management experience.
Bennett Brulé, Aquaculture Operations Manager
BSc in Marine Biology and Sustainability from Dalhousie University. Leading Nova Scotia operations with aquaculture expertise.
Neethu Sara Shinu
Natural Products Chemistry
MPH with expertise in natural products chemistry, supporting our biorefinery process development and optimization.
Government Partners
Innovation Partners
Research Partners
Nonprofit Partners
Other
