Matter Forms creates bio-alternative materials for the built environment, transforming discarded oyster shells into Oyster[Crete]®, a refined, lower-impact alternative to traditional concrete and stone. The material is developed and fabricated in-house for use in furniture, objects, surfaces, and spatial applications, leveraging the high calcium carbonate content of reclaimed shells. Oyster[Crete]® is produced through a micro-manufacturing pilot at a circular economy hub in East London.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Traditional construction materials like concrete and stone have a significant environmental footprint, relying on energy-intensive extraction and manufacturing processes. The built environment also generates substantial waste streams, including discarded oyster shells from restaurants and markets, which are typically sent to landfill rather than being repurposed.
Solution
Matter Forms develops bio-alternative materials for the built environment, starting with Oyster[Crete]®, a material made from recycled oyster shells collected from local restaurants and markets. The material transforms this waste stream into a refined architectural material suitable for furniture, objects, surfaces, and spatial applications. By utilising the naturally high calcium carbonate content of oyster shells, Oyster[Crete]® offers a lower-impact alternative to traditional concrete and stone while celebrating the raw mineral character of reclaimed resources. The material is developed and fabricated in-house, with production taking place at a micro-manufacturing pilot within a circular economy hub.
Target Audience
Primary customers are architects, designers, and project developers seeking sustainable, circular materials for furniture, interior objects, and architectural surfaces.
Features
- Oyster[Crete]® is a bio-alternative to traditional concrete and stone, made from recycled oyster shells
- Shells are collected from local restaurants and markets, turning a waste stream into a usable material
- The material leverages the naturally high calcium carbonate content of oyster shells for structural and aesthetic properties
- Suitable for a wide range of applications, including architectural surfaces, furniture, and interior objects
- Developed and fabricated in-house, with production at a micro-manufacturing pilot in a circular economy hub
- Research-driven development, originally emerging from academic research at The Bartlett, UCL