In edible mussels, the byssus, often referred to as the "beard," is an inedible part that is usually removed during the current industrial mussel cleaning process. A machine cuts off all the mussel fibres, which are then gathered in containers and commonly disposed of in landfills or used as biomass.
In year one of our research efforts, we embarked on a meticulous testing process for hundreds of samples collected from an original specimen to uncover the true properties of byssus. Our careful analysis and examination allowed us to reveal the unique characteristics of this natural material. Building upon this knowledge, in year two we focused on finding an eco-friendly solution to address the issue of processing highly polluted mussel waste in large quantities. This allows us to generate pure mussel fibre proteins, paving the way for novel clean technologies and industrial applications.
We've transformed mussel waste into a soft, cloud-like raw material we call 'Seawool', crafted entirely from byssus threads. This breakthrough in textile innovation exemplifies our commitment to sustainability and our passion for transforming aquaculture waste products into valuable and environmentally friendly materials for the construction, furniture and textile industries.
The majority of insulation materials, upholstery foams and textiles originate from petrochemicals or other materials that contribute to environmental harm. Producing mineral wool and petroleum-based insulation materials demands significant energy input, resulting in substantial carbon footprints. Moreover, concerns regarding health arise during installation. Upholstery foams pose an even greater challenge as they undergo continuous use and eventually break down into micro-plastics due to wear and tear or encounter difficulties in recycling. Similar to textiles, they often end up in landfills.
Byssus threads demonstrate better properties compared to traditional materials and synthetic biology present opportunities to develop novel protein-based materials and applications in a variety of industries.
Whilst being naturally fire-retardant, byssus threads have great acoustic and thermal insulation properties. By transforming aquaculture food waste into renewable, recyclable, and biodegradable materials, we contribute to the elimination of landfills and adhere to a circular economy business model.
Discover how we can assist you in reducing or eliminating your dependence on petrochemicals, transforming your products with our sustainable solutions, and contributing to the creation of a healthier world for future generations. We are continuously seeking new and innovative partnerships.
It allows us to unlock the full potential of byssus fibres. During this stage, byssus material retained from old products are processed to seamlessly integrate into new products, extending the active life of byssus indefinitely. Through our novel recycling process, we contribute to a more circular and eco-friendly economy.
