Slovenia develops first biodegradable dog chew toy from food waste

A Slovenian research and industry partnership has developed what it says is the country's first biodegradable chew toy for dogs, turning food industry by-products into a durable, compostable alternative to plastics.

The product, branded BioSTARCHew, is the result of a two-year project led by the Celje-based research centre TECOS, in collaboration with milling company Mlin Katić and pet retailer Tačka, CE Report quotes The Slovenia Times.

The chew bone is made from plant-based biopolymers combined with starch and pea husk residues, materials that would otherwise go to waste.

According to the developers, the toy is designed to be both safe and engaging for dogs, while addressing growing concerns about the environmental footprint of pet products. It contains no artificial flavours, colourings or toxic additives, and its shape allows treats to be inserted to keep animals occupied.

In industrial composting conditions, the material breaks down by about 90% within four months, with residues deemed non-harmful to the environment.

"The project proves that Slovenian knowledge can develop a competitive and certified product with clear environmental advantages," said Vesna Žepič Bogataj of TECOS, who led the development, as quoted by news outlet Svet24.

The innovation reflects a broader push toward circular economy models, using secondary raw materials from the food sector to create higher-value consumer goods. The partners say the project establishes a local supply chain linking agricultural by-products to finished pet products.

The chew toy has been tested on dogs of various sizes, with developers noting that smaller dogs tend to use it longer, while more powerful chewers break it down faster, an insight that will shape future iterations.

With development complete, the product is now moving toward commercialisation, backed by roughly €640,000 in project funding, including support from the Slovenian government and the European Union.

While still awaiting wider market rollout, BioSTARCHew is already being positioned as a potential export product and a case study in how niche innovation from a small European country can tap into the fast-growing global market for sustainable pet care.

Photo: Tecos