Scallops from the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido are considered some of the best in the world. Renowned for their size and taste, scallop production generates 40,000 tons of discarded shells in the area, which can cause soil contamination if left on the ground.
While we still haven’t figured out how to use seashells to replace toilet paper, TBWAHakuhodo and Koushi Chemical Industry have developed a product that makes use of the discarded scallop shells to create a material that’s durable enough to protect human heads, reduce waste, and protect the local environment dubbed the “Shellmet.” A portmanteau of “shell” and “helmet,” the Shellmet is designed to be used as a bicycle helmet and hardhat.
