MAPLA BIOTECHNOLOGY

MAPLA Biotechnology is a deep-tech startup founded in Malatya, Türkiye—home to one of the world's largest apricot production regions. Established in 2021 by Dr. Merve Canpolat, a food engineer and sustainability researcher, MAPLA focuses on transforming agricultural waste—especially apricot seed shells—into high-value, bio-based composite materials.

The company's mission is to offer scalable, nature-derived alternatives to petroleum-based plastics by integrating circular economy principles into material innovation. MAPLA’s core product line, branded as EcoShell™, is developed from apricot seed shells and designed to serve industries such as packaging, furniture, and automotive components.

What Makes MAPLA’s Raw Material Unique?

Apricot seed shells, the primary input for MAPLA’s biocomposites, exhibit several naturally advantageous characteristics:

• Rich in natural fiber and cellulose-lignin structure
• High mechanical durability potential when processed correctly
• Thermally stable under industrial conditions
• Biodegradable and non-toxic by nature
• Abundantly available as a by-product of global apricot production

These characteristics allow the material to be processed using conventional plastic manufacturing methods like extrusion, injection molding, and thermoforming—while reducing reliance on fossil-based raw materials.

Global Relevance of Apricot Seed Shells

According to FAO data, global apricot production reached 3.86 million tonnes in 2022, with over 70 countries contributing. Key regions include:

• Asia (1.95 million tonnes): Türkiye, Uzbekistan, Iran, Pakistan
• Europe (795,800 tonnes): Italy, France, Greece, Spain
• Africa (580,400 tonnes): Algeria, Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia
  This widespread availability makes apricot seed shells a sustainable and scalable raw material across continents, especially in regions prioritizing climate goals and local value creation.

Our Progress So Far

• Completion of pilot production with a processing capacity of 4 tons/day
• Patent-pending (PCT) status with confirmed novelty and inventive step
• First samples delivered to customers in Türkiye, South Korea, Morocco, and the EU
• Supported by TÜBİTAK and KOSGEB through national R&D grants
• Recipient of the Technology Entrepreneurship Award at Türkiye's national Zero Waste Summit
• Backed by Halk Yatırım’s “Fonla Büyüsün” program and angel investors (~€150K secured)

Looking Ahead

MAPLA is currently preparing to scale its production and expand into international markets. We are particularly focused on building partnerships in the GCC and MENA region, where industrial innovation and circular economy alignment present a strong strategic fit.

In the coming years, we aim to:

• Localize production with partners in key target markets
• Certify our biocomposites for packaging, furniture, and automotive use
• Expand our raw material base to include other regional agricultural by-products
• Continue developing high-performance, eco-friendly materials using bio-based innovation