NaturePlast is taking part in the FILASTERID project, alongside committed scientific and industrial players, to transform a prolific species into a sustainable resource. The aim of this inter-regional project is to structure a complete value chain for starfish, which is currently little exploited despite its abundance on Brittany’s coasts.
An environmental and economic issue
The proliferation of starfish(Asterias rubens and Marthasterias glacialis) is causing major disturbances:
- Predation on shellfish,
- Damage to fishing equipment,
- Reduced shellfish yields.
Accidentally caught in nets, these starfish die off, generating a biomass that is currently under-exploited.
Three complementary value-added processes
FILASTERID aims to transform this biomass into a useful resource in three ways:
- Animal nutrition products (organic part),
- Plant nutrition products (bioactive extracts),
- Biomaterials: functionalized fillers for biobased and/or biodegradable polymers (mineral part).
Natural architecture with surprising properties
NaturePlast is involved in biomaterials. Our role is to process the mineral part (the skeleton) by grinding, micronizing and sieving, then to incorporate it into polymers at different scales (laboratory, pilot and production of first prototypes).
Once observed under the microscope, this skeleton reveals a porous structure comparable to a gruyère: a material full of small natural tunnels. This configuration makes it possible to integrate active ingredients such as essential oils.
Example of possible applications:
- Mosquito repellent bracelets, where the active ingredient is directly encapsulated in the material,
- Gardening accessories that gradually release crop-repellent substances.
A first technical phase underway
We have received the first samples and will begin milling tests this summer. Our partner will carry out the firstintegration tests on the active ingredients. The aim is to define the right technical parameters to obtain materials that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Interdisciplinary collaboration
The project brings together several partners:
- Agro Innovation International (CMI Roullier), the project leader – animal and plant nutrition,
- Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle – Station marine de Concarneau – biological expertise and collection,
- Université de Bretagne Sud – ComposiTIC platform – materials modeling and characterization,
- NaturePlast, for formulation development and biopolymer shaping.
The FILASTERID project will run until 2028, with the aim of structuring a sustainable industry around a resource that is currently under-exploited.
To find out more and follow the project’s progress: natureplast.eu/projet/filasterid
