The Fisheries Research Institute of the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) has proposed an innovative solution for the resource recovery of discarded oyster shells.
Taiwan produces about 138,000 tons of discarded oyster shells every year, which are mainly used for feed and seedling culture media, with low added value. Penghu produces about 2,000 tons of discarded oyster shells every year. However, its inadequate utilization methods can easily lead to local environmental pollution.
Oyster shell self-activating heat pack production technology
The Fisheries Research Institute, MOA, used oyster shells to develop self-activating heat pack technology and produced an "instant meal set using a flameless cooker." The self-activating heat pack made from oyster shells can bring the water temperature in the outer box to 80-90°C within 7-8 minutes after it is activated, while the temperature in the inner ingredient pack can reach over 50°C and maintain this temperature for at least 20 minutes. This technology can meet the needs of small families and camping enthusiasts for quick meals and convenience, and can be applied to foods such as soups, porridge, and room-temperature dishes.
Oyster shells help restore marine ecology
The Penghu Fishery Research Center of the Fisheries Research Institute, MOA, has integrated discarded oyster shells and coral sexual reproduction technology to restore the underwater coral reef systems. Calcium carbonate, the main component of oyster shells, is the same component of coral bone. Alkaliactivation technology can be utilized to increase its strength, and by imitating the bioerosion effect of natural reefs, it provides organic grooves for coral solidification, increases genetic diversity, and strengthens marine ecological functions and resilience.
Benefits
- Compared with chemically synthesized heating materials on the market, the oyster shell self-activating heat pack uses recycled materials, is 20% cheaper. It is expected to bring an output value of at least NT$10 million to the food processing industry every year.
- This oyster shell application case for the restoration of marine ecology can mitigate the problem of discarded oyster shells in Penghu. This material also has the potential to replace cement in the future, reduce carbon emissions, support the development of local circular economy industries, and create job opportunities.