FXPO INTERVIEW: OzoneBio - Pioneering Sustainable Innovation in the Chemical Industry

OzoneBio, a Canadian clean-tech startup, is leading a new wave of sustainability in the chemical industry. Founded by Khorcheska Batyrova and Anna Khusnutdinova, the company has made significant strides in upcycling wood waste, lignin, and nutshells to create high-performance, bio-based materials. Their groundbreaking technology is focused on replacing petroleum-based chemicals, such as adipic acid, with environmentally friendly alternatives that perform just as well but with a fraction of the environmental impact.

From Waste to High-Performance Materials

At the heart of OzoneBio's innovation is their ability to produce high-purity adipic acid from waste feedstocks, including wood bark, nutshells, and lignin. Traditionally made from petroleum, adipic acid is a critical component in the production of nylon, polyurethanes, and other high-performance materials used in industries from automotive parts to running shoes.

The process is entirely emission-free, relying on green chemistry and catalysis to transform waste into valuable materials without harmful side products.

Khorcheska explained, "We start with waste that no one uses - wood waste, nutshells, and lignin waste. These are materials that would otherwise end up in landfills. We're taking these forgotten resources and turning them into high-performance building blocks for polymers."

The Environmental and Health Impact

The company's sustainable approach goes beyond just creating an alternative to petroleum-based chemicals. One of the key innovations is the production of biochar - a byproduct of the wood waste conversion process. Biochar acts as a natural sequester of CO2, offering a significant environmental benefit by capturing carbon and reducing the overall greenhouse gas emissions from the production process.

OzoneBio’s technology also eliminates nitrous oxide emissions - a harmful greenhouse gas 300 times more toxic than CO2 - traditionally released during the synthesis of adipic acid. By removing these pollutants, OzoneBio not only mitigates climate change but also contributes to cleaner air and a healthier atmosphere.

The Future of Fashion and Footwear

While OzoneBio's materials are versatile, their application in fashion and footwear holds significant potential. Their bio-based polyurethanes and nylons are already being explored for use in limited edition fashion lines, shoes, and accessories. OzoneBio’s innovative technology aligns with the growing demand for sustainable materials in the fashion industry, offering brands a tangible, scalable solution to reduce their environmental footprint.

"The most important thing is that we have enough material for brands to test and prototype," Khorcheska shared. "Once they see the performance of our materials - comparable to petroleum-based alternatives; they can start scaling production, knowing they're part of the solution to the sustainability crisis."

Overcoming Challenges

Despite the clear environmental benefits, OzoneBio has faced challenges in integrating their solutions into existing supply chains. "One of the biggest challenges has been getting brands to adopt sustainable materials," said Khorcheska. "Even with a proven solution, changing established processes and navigating political landscapes can be difficult. However, we’re seeing progress in Europe, where there’s a stronger demand for certified, transparent sustainable solutions."

Looking Ahead: The Future for OzoneBio

Looking ahead, OzoneBio envisions a world where their bio-based materials are standard in fashion and footwear. "In five years, we hope people will be wearing products made from our materials and understanding that they’re part of a much bigger effort to tackle climate change," Khorcheska said. "Sustainability shouldn’t be a buzzword - it should be the norm."

As OzoneBio continues to scale and collaborate with brands, their mission is clear: to replace harmful, high-carbon footprint chemicals with bio-based, emission-free alternatives that don’t compromise on performance. For brands looking to align with sustainable innovation, OzoneBio offers a ready-made solution that is both cutting-edge and environmentally responsible.

Interview with CEO of OzoneBio (Khorcheska B.) conducted by Nader Alkhabbaz, US Lead, FXPO | April 28, 2025