In Yubetsu, a town in Hokkaido, Japan, discarded scallop shells have begun to find new life as innovative materials. This transformation comes in response to the growing piles of shells that have accumulated at a site operated by Kyoritsu Sangyo, a company specializing in seashell processing. The increasing number of shells—often seen as waste—has become a concern due to a drop in demand for recycled materials, largely attributed to rising costs. The company’s president, Masao Sasaki, expressed his anxiety over the ongoing surplus, noting, “We have had an ongoing excess of shells for a few years now.”
Hokkaido is known for producing the largest catch of scallops in Japan, leading to the disposal of hundreds of thousands of tons of shells annually. In an effort to address this issue, the Industrial Research Institute, part of the larger Hokkaido Research Organization based in Sapporo, has been investigating methods for repurposing these shells. In a notable initiative, the institute partnered with Nihon Rikagaku Industry Co. in 2005 to create chalk from crushed scallop shells. This new chalk product, composed of particles measuring just 5 micrometers, has received positive feedback for its smoothness and durability.
The environmental benefits of scallop shells are gaining recognition, particularly as a biomass material. When mixed with plastics, crushed shells can reduce reliance on petroleum products. This innovative use has already led to the development of food trays, and ongoing tests are exploring the potential for interior car parts made from this composite material.
In a further creative application, the shells are being utilized in the production of “hotamet,” a hybrid term combining “helmet” and “hotate,” the Japanese word for scallops. These helmets will be featured at the upcoming 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo as safety equipment for disaster management and bicycle safety. Made from a resin that contains 10% crushed scallop shells, these helmets illustrate the unexpected versatility of a material once considered waste.
Kazuhito Nishikawa, head of the Nihon Rikagaku Industry plant in Bibai, Hokkaido, remarked on the surprising journey of scallop shells from chalk to biomass material, stating, “It’s so unexpected that a chalk ingredient could become biomass material.” The ongoing research and development in Hokkaido suggest that what once might have been discarded is now paving the way for sustainable innovations, showing how local resources can be repurposed to meet both environmental and market needs.
