By Andrea Begnini
Wast3D Shells is an innovative startup founded in Taranto by Serena Lotto, Matteo Peluso, Michele De Siati and Giuseppe Greco, with the aim of solving an environmental problem and giving new life to mussel shells, which are often considered waste. These shells, which are normally disposed of as waste, represent a valuable resource: thanks to a technology developed by the company, they can be transformed into calcium carbonate and used to produce new building components, offering sustainable and innovative solutions for the construction of ecological infrastructure. W3DS not only contributes to waste reduction, but also creates a circular market for materials that would otherwise end up in the trash.
Shells and calcium carbonate for environmentally friendly mortars and bricks
The idea behind W3DS stemmed from the desire to transform mussel shells, a waste abundant in the Taranto area that has the Slow Food Presidium black mussel among its flagship products, into a potential resource. Matteo Peluso, explains, “We saw in mussel shells a great opportunity: instead of considering them waste, we worked to extract calcium carbonate and convert it into useful building materials.” This process not only reduces the amount of waste, but also allows for the creation of sustainable products, such as environmentally friendly mortars and bricks. The startup has received several awards for its innovative approach, including the Start Cup Puglia’s “Green and Blue climate change” award, which enabled it to launch the idea and attract the interest of accelerators specializing in the circular economy.
Sustainable construction: 3D printed houses
One revolutionary aspect of W3DS’ technology is the application of calcium carbonate powder for 3D printing of building elements. The startup team, led by Matteo Peluso and Michele De Siati, is working to harness the benefits of 3D printing. Currently, W3DS has already produced bricks and mortars using mussel shell powder, but the next step is ambitious: to build fully sustainable houses. “The goal is to use 3D printers to build environmentally friendly homes.” Not only does this technology reduce material waste during the construction process, but it also offers a completely green solution, meeting the building industry’s current sustainability challenges.
Bike paths and infrastructure to improve city life
In addition to building houses, W3DS is exploring new applications for calcium carbonate extracted from mussel shells, including making bike paths. The company is inspired by models already used in France, where oyster shells and other mussels are being used to produce sustainable asphalt. This composite material, known as béton-coquillage, has been studied by research institutes in France and Canada for its unique properties, such as water absorption, which make it ideal for counteracting soil sealing. Giuseppe Greco of W3DS explains, “We want to bring this innovative model to Italy, using the shells to create sustainable infrastructure, such as bike paths, that can improve the quality of life and reduce the environmental impact of our cities.”
Rejection as part of the solution
The vision of W3DS is based on a key concept: transforming what is now considered waste into a valuable resource. Serena Lotto, stresses the importance of rethinking the way we handle waste materials, “Calcium carbonate is present in many materials that end up in the undifferentiated, such as egg shells and snails. We need to change our approach to waste and see it as a source of opportunity.” The startup is working to create a new market for sustainable materials and to demonstrate that it is possible to reconcile innovation, sustainability and economic growth. With a long-term vision and a circular approach, W3DS is helping to shape a future in which waste becomes part of the solution, not the problem.
