The Australian saltwater crocodile, Crocodylus porosus, industry is a valuable contributor to the global market for crocodile skins, with most exports going to France, Singapore, Italy and Japan. However, there is an opportunity to add value to the waste material generated during the production process.
This report highlights the promising properties of crocodile collagen, which are comparable to those derived from other sources. The research has successfully extracted and purified collagen from under-utilised crocodile carcass material, presenting a novel revenue stream for the Australian crocodile farming industry.
There is significant potential for Australian crocodile collagen-based products to enter the market in various forms, including cosmetics, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals and biomedical applications. These products could complement luxury goods, diversifying the crocodile industry’s revenue stream, which are largely dependent on tourism. Further, Australian crocodile collagen-based products could find a place in the pet food market, leveraging existing strong ties between the crocodile farming community and pet food manufacturers.
By maximising use of crocodile carcasses for alternative products, the Australian crocodile industry has the potential to achieve zero waste and align with sustainable development goals, similar to practices in the cattle, pig, sheep and fisheries industries. This strategic utilisation of crocodile collagen not only offers new economic opportunities but also promotes sustainability within the industry, strengthening Australia’s position in the global market.