#Shift #Impact Grant #PhyCo

Shift Technology Supports Environmental Innovation with $25,000 Grant to PhyCo

In a notable step towards addressing the environmental crisis caused by plastic pollution, Shift, the world's most customizable browser, has awarded its second annual $25,000 USD Impact Grant to PhyCo™, an innovative marine biotechnology company founded by women. This grant underscores the vital work PhyCo is doing to combat the staggering $100 billion problem of agricultural plastics, a challenge that remains largely invisible to consumers.

Agriculture contributes significantly to plastic use in the food system, accounting for approximately 70% of plastic usage, primarily through materials like mulch films that protect crops. Unfortunately, once these plastics are deployed, collecting and recycling them is a complex process.

Based in Vancouver, BC, PhyCo is leading the charge to replace these harmful materials with compostable alternatives derived from seaweed. By collaborating with small seaweed farmers from Indigenous and coastal communities across Canada, PhyCo is building a responsible supply chain that not only addresses environmental concerns but supports local economies.

“The misconception is that food-related plastic usage starts at the grocery store, when in reality, a significant portion is utilized on farms long before produce reaches the shelves,” explains Ranah Chavoshi, co-founder and CEO of PhyCo Technologies. “Our mission initiated with the development of biodegradable, non-toxic, and petroleum-free alternatives made from seaweed, formed in partnership with Indigenous communities. The Shift Impact Grant is crucial for transitioning our solutions beyond the laboratory and helping farmers implement these compostable options.”

The inception of PhyCo can be traced to a moment of inspiration from a photograph taken by Chavoshi in 2016, showcasing alarming levels of plastic pollution near a renowned scuba diving site. This vision of devastation left a lasting impression that ultimately motivated her to explore sustainable solutions during a pandemic-induced lab shutdown, where she began experimenting with seaweed-based plastics at her kitchen table. Eventually, she teamed up with biotechnologist Dr. Stacey Goldberg to formalize their research and launch PhyCo.

Recently, PhyCo achieved a significant milestone by completing phase one of its international pilot project, testing its production processes in Portugal. This pilot proved successful, demonstrating that PhyCo's methods could scale effectively, enhance yields, and reduce production costs, thus paving the way for commercial viability. With the additional backing of the Shift Impact Grant, PhyCo plans to refine their operations, making their sustainable solutions accessible to farmers who need them most.

Neil Henderson, CEO of Shift, praised the innovation spearheaded by Chavoshi and Goldberg, stating, “They are addressing a massive environmental challenge that often goes unnoticed. The Shift Impact Grant’s purpose is to provide founders with resources to prioritize initiatives that can make a significant difference in tackling such issues. For PhyCo, this means introducing an exciting seaweed-based sustainable alternative into supportive industries.