The VECOP project, managed by the Caen-based laboratory ESITC, involves producing a new eco-material for constructing pervious 'eco-paving' by commercially developing the shell by-products from queen scallops, king scallops and slipper limpets to optimise management of these natural resources.
The VECOP pervious 'eco-paving' is intended for use in urban developments where traffic is light: pavements, kerbstones, pedestrianised squares and streets. Based on seashell by-products, the paving will combine rainwater drainage, mechanical resistance and permeability properties.
To meet the required technical and environmental performance targets for the eco-material to be used, the project will select and pre-process shell by-products to improve their physico-chemical and mineralogical properties. The project will also develop industrial manufacturing and application processes for this 'eco-paving'.
Lastly, the VECOP project will provide a real solution to the basic problem of the proliferation of slipper limpets by offering the potential to economically develop a high added-value product from their shells. The project will also contribute to developing the technical, economic and environmental aspects of an industry based on seashell by-products in the regions of Brittany and Lower Normandy.

Partners
Companies
  • - Granvilmer, Bréville-sur-mer
  • - Point P, Avranches
  • - Slipper Limpet Processing, Cancale
  • - Veolia Propreté, Formigny
Research centers
  • - Builders Ecole d'ingénieurs, Caen  [Project Developer]
  • - Université de Caen Normandie, Équipe de Recherche en Physico-Chimie et Biotechnologie ERPCB, Caen
Funders
FEDER
Région Bretagne
Région Normandie
Labelisation
22/04/2011
Overall budget
993 K€
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