Innovative materials crafted from shellfish waste, showcasing sustainability in architecture.
Shellf Life, a Rhode Island-based startup, is pioneering sustainable practices by converting seafood waste, particularly shellfish shells, into innovative building materials. Founded by Felicia Neuhof, the company addresses environmental concerns and aims to provide accessible alternatives to concrete. With potential to use the immense volume of seafood waste generated in the region, Shellf Life is set to redefine materials in architecture and design while garnering support for its sustainable vision. The startup plans to launch a commercial product line by 2026 and establish community manufacturing opportunities.
Rhode Island is at the forefront of sustainability efforts with the emergence of Shellf Life, a startup dedicated to converting seafood waste into innovative building materials. Founded by Felicia Neuhof, a former NYC art director, Shellf Life is addressing environmental concerns by turning discarded shellfish shells into functional products that can be used in architecture and design.
Neuhof’s journey began while pursuing her master’s degree at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). Frustrated with the unsustainability of materials in her industry, she realized the potential of seafood waste—specifically, shellfish shells. After experimenting with shells salvaged from dumpsters behind local restaurants, she initiated the transformation of these discarded materials into usable forms.
Shellf Life focuses on utilizing a variety of seafood shells, including those from oysters, mussels, clams, crabs, and scallops. By carefully collecting, cleaning, and crushing the shells, Neuhof and her team blend them with a proprietary binder and mold them into architectural surfaces, lighting, and furniture. This innovative process not only addresses waste but also creates an accessible alternative to concrete in a time of global supply chain uncertainties.
Statistics reveal the shocking volume of seafood waste generated in the region. One Rhode Island shellfish processor alone produces around 7 tons of shell waste each week—amounting to a staggering 728,000 pounds annually. This volume could potentially cover 30,000 square feet of tiling. When considering combined seafood waste across New England, it becomes clear that there is enough potential to create materials for tiling 300 homes every year, highlighting an underutilized resource in the area.
Shellf Life’s product line includes three main categories: home and commercial furniture, homeware such as bowls and lighting fixtures, and architectural materials like tiles and surfaces. Neuhof has also developed specialized applications for marine environments aimed at providing sustainable alternatives to traditional concrete materials used in aquaculture farms.
The transformation of shells into valuable products involves a unique process: after collecting the shells, they are cleaned and crushed before being mixed with a special binder. This method also captures carbon dioxide during the curing process, further contributing to environmental sustainability. Neuhof has secured a provisional patent for both the material and manufacturing methods, laying a foundation for future commercialization.
Shell types used in production serve specific purposes—oysters provide strength and texture, mussels add color and luminosity, clams contribute light creamy hues, and scallops offer structural pattern variability. Such purposeful selection demonstrates a keen focus on performance in design while fostering sustainability.
Recognized for its innovative approach, Shellf Life garnered praise from King Charles III, who referred to the concept as “genius.” The startup has also implemented collection options for restaurants, seeking to integrate shell recycling into the same workflow as glass and paper recycling, thereby normalizing the practice.
Support for Shellf Life’s initial development has come from the Terra Carta award, and Neuhof is currently seeking further investment to enhance growth and community manufacturing opportunities. Her ambitious goals include launching a commercial product line by 2026 and establishing manufacturing microlabs in various coastal communities within five years.
In pursuit of these goals, Shellf Life is set to move into a new production facility at 50 Sims, a collaborative hub for creatives and entrepreneurs located in Providence. This dedicated fabrication space will enable the startup to expand its production capabilities, further democratizing manufacturing processes and fostering innovation.
Ultimately, Shellf Life aims to link resource recovery with global climate impact, aligning with the values of innovation and sustainability that Providence embodies. This initiative not only reflects a shift towards environmentally conscious practices in the design industry but also paves the way for future sustainable material ventures, such as BIOPOD—another RISD graduate project focused on using mycelium to create floating wetlands.
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