The problem
Valuable fish waste is discarded while manufacturers rely on expensive imports.
Across East Africa, fish processing by-products are largely discarded, creating methane emissions and water pollution. At the same time, food manufacturers, nutraceutical brands and cosmetics companies depend on imported marine proteins and collagen that are expensive, slow to source and difficult to trace.
Bionala's approach
Turning fish waste into high-value bio-ingredients.
Bionala uses enzymatic hydrolysis to convert fish processing by-products from Lake Victoria into food-grade fish protein hydrolysates, marine collagen peptides and fish oil. By creating a certified regional supply of marine bio-ingredients, the company reduces waste, shortens supply chains and provides manufacturers with an affordable alternative to imports.
Where it's used
Designed for food, nutrition and wellness industries.
Bionala's marine bio-ingredients are intended for use across food manufacturing, nutraceuticals and dietary supplements, cosmetics and personal care, and aquaculture and specialised animal nutrition.
Impact
Why it matters.
Bionala creates value from waste while strengthening regional manufacturing and supporting local communities.
Circular production
Transforms discarded fish waste into valuable food-grade ingredients instead of landfill or water pollution.
Regional supply chains
Provides East African manufacturers with a traceable, locally produced alternative to imported marine ingredients.
Community livelihoods
Creates additional income opportunities for women-led fish trader cooperatives around Lake Victoria through structured sourcing partnerships.
Partners & ecosystem
Supported through Kinjani Lab.
Bionala collaborates with the Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute (KIRDI) for technical validation and pilot production, alongside TechnoServe Kenya, the Kenya Market-led Fortification Initiative (KMFI), AquaMnara, Inua Mama CBO, Aquarech, and prospective manufacturing partners including Pembe Flour Mills and Unga Limited.
