Fish Scales
Scalite® uses fish scales to create a new moldable material made with natural polymers derived from fish scales.
Harvesting
Fish scales are a by-product of the fishing industry and more specifically, fish leather industries. In order to process fish leather – the fish is descaled. It is a by-product of a by-product.
Forming Methods
Erik de Laurens Fish Feast tumbler is made of 100% fish scales and takes two-average-sized salmon or 60 grams of dry fish scale to produce on beaker. He uses compression molding to create beakers, glasses, non-durable and disposable items such as picnic products which can be left on the ground to decompose after use.
SCALITE® is suited to many applications in interior and decoration from hospitality to retail, to offices and many more.
Sustainability
A 100% bio sourced material. Scales are a natural and sustainably sourced material - the by-product of a second generation waste stream. Free from any deleterious resin, plastic or artificial glue that could potentially be harmless to us and the environment.
Physical Properties
Strong and easy to dye, attractive finish. Scales vary in size, shape and color but any type of fish scale can be used as long as the size of the scales exceeds around 5mm (1/5 in) diameter. Feels like plastic, dissolves in water, unique visual marble effect, compostable.
References
https://www.scale.vision/en/scalite
Lefteri, Chris. Materials