Seastex first identified mussel beards, or byssus, as a by-product of the aquaculture industry in April 202
IBioIC
Seastex, a startup that has developed a biodegradable wool-like material using by-products from the Scottish seafood sector, has confirmed its headquarters relocation to Glasgow to drive its growth and shorten supply chains.
The company will grow its team from two to 40 people over the next five years and aims to secure the production of three tonnes of raw material per week. To achieve this, Seastex collaborates with the Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre (IBioIC).
"Moving to Glasgow is a critical step in our growth plan and brings us closer to the essential supply chain that can ensure access to even more mussel beards to turn into new products," said CEO and founder of Seastex, Sander Nevejans.
Using mussel beards or byssus (the threads that help mussels attach to surfaces), the Scottish startup creates "seawool," which is chemical-free, recyclable, lightweight, and naturally fire-resistant.
As Nevejans explains, the ancient Sea Silk was made from the byssus of the noble pen shell, a type of clam, and was used for garments for nobility and religious leaders around the Mediterranean more than 2,000 years ago.
"As the Sea Silk industry overseas has all but disappeared - due to overfishing, the decline of seagrass beds, and a bacterial outbreak causing a mass die-off of the now endangered noble pen shell. The ambition is to collaborate with shellfish producers to reimagine this material for the 21st century, reviving and preserving a part of this ancient craft," he explained.
Additionally, Dr Liz Fletcher, director of business engagement at IBioIC, assured: "Increased development and adoption of bio-based materials will be a key part of Scotland and the UK achieving net zero, and Seastex is a great example of a startup making significant progress in that area. The feedstock used by the business is typically considered waste, but for the construction and textiles sector, it could be incredibly valuable for its green credentials. We look forward to supporting Seastex to scale up and see the material used in even more settings."
The Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre (IBioIC) was established in 2014 and is recognised as a European centre of excellence. It is a key driver of Scotland’s National Plan for Industrial Biotechnology, which recently set a new target of £1.2 billion in associated turnover and 4,000 direct employees by 2025 for the industry in Scotland.
