November 19, 2024 – A groundbreaking advancement in the realm of eco-friendly materials has been achieved by Shellworks, an innovative company born from a collaborative project between the Royal College of Art and Imperial College London. Initially focused on developing biodegradable plastic bags to mitigate the environmental impact of single-use plastics, Shellworks has astutely pivoted its research and development efforts towards producing rigid packaging for cosmetics using a blend of chitosan and starch-based materials.
Chitosan, a natural component derived from crustaceans, has emerged as the cornerstone of Shellworks’ eco-materials. Studies indicate that almost all crustaceans contain chitosan, with lobster shells boasting a particularly high content of 30% to 40%. This non-toxic and highly degradable ingredient offers a novel avenue for the development of sustainable materials.
According to industry sources, Shellworks has devised a unique process for transforming crayfish shells into biodegradable plastic bags. The shells undergo a series of preprocessing steps, including cleaning, meat removal, and oil film elimination, before being slowly dried at low temperatures and ground into powder. Through a sequence of chemical reactions, the crayfish shell powder is converted into chitosan. This chitosan is then blended with corn starch and plasticizers, and subjected to processes such as spraying and drying to produce a starch-based chitosan bioplastic film.
Boasting excellent light transmittance, flexibility, and tensile strength, this biobased plastic bag also rapidly degrades in natural environments, significantly reducing environmental pollution. Shellworks has rigorously tested and optimized the bags based on the results to enhance their performance.
Currently, this biodegradable material made from crayfish shells is already being widely used in applications such as antibacterial blister packaging, food safety carrier bags, and self-flowering plant pots. Shellworks’ innovation not only contributes to environmental conservation but also opens up new pathways for the efficient utilization of crustacean waste. As technology continues to advance and applications expand, this biobased biodegradable material is poised to play a crucial role in even more sectors in the future.