Recycl’écailles: shellfish waste to resource

Thousands of tonnes of shells from scallops, mussels and oysters are buried or incinerated annually in Hauts-de-France due to a lack of valorisation channels. The small French business, Écailles de Mer, launched the Recycl’écailles project as a solution to create value from this by-product.

The SME collect shells locally from oyster farmers, fishmongers, and ports such as Boulogne and Dieppe, treating them in a secure, hygienic facility. Organic residues are channelled to methane production, while mineral parts become calcium supplements for poultry feed, draining materials, and innovative products like shell-based paving. The project fosters a shift towards the use of local resources to replace certain materials brought in from other areas (such as dredged shells). By so doing, the project creates a virtuous cycle of adding value to local waste, supporting shellfish producers and creating jobs, while reducing negative impacts on the marine environment.