From waste to commodity: transforming shells into high purity calcium carbonate.

Abstract A facility that manages mainly mussel shell waste as input in its productive process is considered. A comprehensive detailed description and analysis of the process developed, as well as their environmental aspects associated are described. The procedure performed is an eco-friendly solution to the problem of disposal of the shell by-products, since turning waste into a high value-added product like calcium carbonate is enabled. Chemical analysis and diverse applications of the final product obtained are presented. Finally, clean production and pollution control measures adopted by the company have been recorded in order to ensure that waste is recovered using processes or methods without endangering human health or harming the environment.