Signature Eco-Celtic, a biotechnology company based in Pontevedra, with operations extending through Ponteareas and the Life Sciences Business Technological Cluster (Bioga), has secured a European patent for what is claimed to be Europe’s first pet litter produced from mussel shells.
These innovations come after five years of rigorous research into circular economy solutions. The company’s chief executive officer, Sergio Quiroga, stated that recycled mussel shell waste can now be transformed into viable, sustainable products at scale. The new product line, known as sand sea, is currently being distributed through Gadisa workplaces for consumer use.
Galicia’s cannery sector generates roughly 90,000 tons of mussel shells each year. Without careful processing, the disposal of this natural waste could have clear environmental consequences, according to Quiroga. Ecocelta, in collaboration with canning industry representatives and mollusk purification facilities, launched a development project in 2017 with support from the Galicia Innovation Agency (GAIN). The initiative contributed to the Celtacal method, a system for the sustainable, local management of mollusk shells. This work, funded through the InnovaPeme program, led to the creation of Celtacal biofertilizer, derived from mussel shells. Celtacal became the world’s first registered organic lime fertilizer when it was officially registered in 2019.
Approximately 6 million cats in Spain
Spain hosts nearly six million registered cats. Each cat uses an average of 200 kilograms of hygienic bedding annually. By fully processing Galicia’s leftover mussel shells, enough material could be produced to serve the needs of about 375,000 cats, notes Sergio Quiroga. He emphasizes that addressing an environmental challenge can align with demand in a way that minimizes overall system costs, highlighting the potential economic and ecological benefits for the Spanish market and beyond.
Environmental and agricultural stakeholders view the Celtacal initiative as a model for turning seafood waste into value-added products, including sustainable fertilizers and eco-friendly pet care solutions. The approach reflects a broader strategy in which local industries in Galicia collaborate with technology firms and regional agencies to convert waste streams into resources, reducing landfill pressure and supporting rural economies. The company continues to explore additional applications for mussel-shell-derived materials, aiming to expand markets while maintaining strict environmental and quality standards.
In summary, the combination of ecological responsibility, scientific research, and targeted support from regional authorities has enabled Ecocelta to transform an abundant waste stream into multiple commercial products. The Celtacal method represents a scalable framework for managing mollusk shells that benefits agriculture, horticulture, and consumer sectors, while the pet-litter development showcases how waste-to-value innovations can reach households with practical, sustainable solutions. This integrated model demonstrates how regional innovation ecosystems can pair industry know-how with public funding to achieve measurable environmental gains and create new economic opportunities.