History and Current Status of Shell Shell Recycling Technology in Aomori City - 1997 to 2020s

History and Current Status of Shell Shell Recycling Technology in Aomori City - 1997 to 2020s

In October 1997, Aomori City developed "scallop tile," a recycled product made from scallop shells. These tiles have excellent water permeability and moisture retention properties, and were used at local fishing ports and public facilities, contributing greatly to reducing environmental impact and revitalizing the local economy through the reuse of waste materials. This initiative was recognized as a good example of environmental technology utilizing local resources and a step toward building a sustainable society.

In the 2020s, scallop shell recycling technology has further evolved and is being applied in diverse fields. In Sarufutsu Village, Hokkaido, discarded scallop shells were utilized to develop the "HOTAMET" helmet. This helmet uses technology that improves strength by 33% and reduces CO₂ emissions by up to 36% during production, and is scheduled to be adopted as the official disaster prevention helmet at the Osaka-Kansai Expo in 2025.

In addition, Kohshi Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. has introduced a new material called SHELLTEC. This material has properties that reduce CO₂ emissions by 36% and increase strength by 33% compared to plastic products. It has been applied to a wide range of products such as helmets and tetrapods, contributing significantly to the reduction of environmental impact.

Furthermore, efforts to utilize scallop shells as a substitute material for sand are also making progress. HOTATETRAPOD, a blue carbon tetrapod, reduces the amount of sand used by about 50% and at the same time increases blue carbon by promoting the attachment of seaweed. This technology contributes to the global sand shortage problem and improvement of the marine environment.

Sources
- Technical information from file "39-1997-10-15.pdf" dated 1997.
- HOTAMET" by Sarufutsu Village, Hokkaido, Japan: [article by Jichitai Works](https://jichitai.works/article/details/2779?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
- About "SHELLTEC" by Kouji Chemical Industry: [Xexeq blog](https://xexeq.jp/blogs/media/topics28517?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
- Blue Carbon Tetrapod Initiatives: [Hokkaido Times article](https://hokkaidotimes.jp/press-release/2082/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

This recycling technology has spread nationwide based on an initiative in Aomori City in 1997, and continues to evolve at the forefront of environmental technology in the 2020s.