In the context of the growing global trend to reduce plastic use, a small factory in Japan has introduced Shellmet, a helmet made from seashells and recycled plastic.
According to a reporter in Tokyo, Shelltec is a material developed by Koushi Chemical Industry Co. in collaboration with Professor Uyama Hiroshi from the Graduate School of Engineering at Osaka University (Japan) by combining seashells with plastic. The calcium carbonate found in seashells is used as a raw material for construction materials such as cement and plastics.
The final step in shaping the Shellmet helmet. (Photo: Xuân Giao/PV TTXVN in Japan)
According to Koushi, nearly 500,000 tons of seashells are discarded annually after the meat is removed. Recognizing the potential of these discarded shells as a new resource rather than waste, the company created Shelltec by combining seashells, primarily composed of calcium carbonate, with recycled plastic. In 2022, Koushi used Shelltec material to produce Shellmet, a helmet that is considered environmentally friendly.
Mr. Nambara Tetsuya, a representative of Koushi and the project manager for Shellmet, stated that while searching for the most environmentally friendly way to utilize plastic materials, the research team realized the potential of effectively utilizing various types of waste, leading them to embark on the challenge of repurposing waste materials.
Regarding the production process of Shellmet, Mr. Tetsuya explained that seashells are finely ground into powder, then mixed with recycled plastics to form Shelltec pellets. These pellets are melted and poured into molds to create Shellmet helmets.
Shellmet helmets displayed at Koushi Chemical Industry Co. (Photo: Nguyễn Tuyến/PV TTXVN in Japan)
Koushi states that compared to helmets made entirely from plastic, Shellmet is significantly more environmentally friendly, reducing CO2 emissions by up to 36%. Even compared to eco-plastic made from limestone, Shelltec saves energy by up to 20%. Not only is it environmentally friendly, but Shellmet, made from a mix of seashells and plastic, is also claimed to be about 33% more durable. Additionally, its unique design mimicking the structure of a seashell enhances the durability of Shellmet.
Another advantage of Shelltec is its continuous recyclability. Old Shellmet helmets can be crushed and recycled to create new Shellmet products. Koushi affirms that the company aims to contribute to a sustainable society by creating a closed-loop production and usage cycle, allowing products to be recycled multiple times.
