Shells to Sweaters: Sustainable ‘Sea Wool’ Earns Millions for Taiwan Business Spinning Oyster Shells into Yarn

In Taiwan, an innovative entrepreneur has found a way to turn oyster shells, an abundant waste product, into a sustainable and profitable alternative to synthetic textiles. Eddie Wang, who grew up in western Taiwan where the shellfish industry thrives, is leading the charge in reducing fashion waste by creating “sea wool”—a yarn made from ground oyster shells.

Each year, about 160,000 metric tons of mollusk shells are discarded in Taiwan, according to the Taiwanese Department of Agriculture. While these shells are often returned to the ocean to help rebuild oyster reefs, Wang saw a different potential. Inspired by local practices of using crushed oyster shells for home insulation, Wang collaborated with materials scientists to transform the shells into a flexible, wool-like thread.

This innovation has led to the creation of sea wool, which is now produced in large quantities. Wang’s factory manufactures 900 tons of sea wool thread annually, generating $6 million in revenue. The yarn has become popular in the fashion industry, with companies like Huckberry offering sea wool sweaters that rival traditional wool in both price and quality.

The impact of sea wool extends beyond fashion. Since oyster shells are primarily composed of calcium carbonate, they could also serve as an eco-friendly alternative to limestone, reducing the environmental footprint of industries reliant on this mineral. This dual benefit highlights the potential of sea wool as a sustainable solution for both the textile industry and beyond.