INNOVATION
Upcycling Mussel Shells Waste
Our commitment to sustainability begins at the source: the discarded green mussel shells we collected from Sattahip, Chonburi province. We actively engage with local fishermen and seafood processing communities to understand their challenges. Historically, after mussels are harvested and cooked for consumption, the shells are typically discarded, accumulating in vast piles that contribute to environmental waste and unpleasant odors.
BeeFriend transforms this significant local waste stream into a valuable resource, demonstrating a core principle of the circular economy. By creating demand for these overlooked shells, we aim to support the livelihoods of coastal communities and significantly reduce the environmental burden of mussel waste.
Our Founder, Pammy, visited fishermen community surveying mussel shell waste in the Eastern province of Thailand.
Production Process
How BeeFriend Works?
The Bio-Calcium Carbonate in BeeFriend’s insecticide acts as a natural physical barrier — eliminating soft-bodied insects on contact while preserving pollinator health. The scientific basis for this dual action is rooted in the properties of Bio-Calcium Carbonate. It harms insects through a multi-faceted approach: calcium carbonate creates a physical barrier that disrupts insect movement and feeding; it alters the surface pH, creating an unwelcoming alkaline environment; and its drying effect dehydrates sensitive insects.
Crucially, bees remain unaffected due to their natural physical tolerance—their hairy bodies prevent the fine powder from penetrating sensitive areas—and their distinct behavioral patterns, as they primarily interact with nectar and pollen from flowers rather than the treated plant surfaces targeted by insects. This unique combination ensures BeeFriend's effectiveness without harming vital pollinators.
Pammy, the BeeFriend founder, analyzing Bio-Calcium Carbonate (Bio-CaCO₃) particles derived from green mussel shells under a microscope
Plant was treated by BeeFriend product. After that the mealybugs has gone.
Unlike other insects, Bee's hairy bodies prevent the fine powder from penetrating sensitive areas
Field Lab
To validate BeeFriend's efficacy and, most importantly, its safety for pollinators in a real-world setting, I conducted direct research in my own backyard. As a beekeeper maintaining four active beehives, my plants frequently faced infestations of insects like mealybugs. This presented a unique opportunity for hands-on evaluation.
My experimental approach involved applying BeeFriend to these insect-afflicted plants. Over the subsequent days, I meticulously observed the insect population. Within just a couple of days, the mealybugs were entirely eliminated.
Pammy conducting a field experiment in her backyard garden by recording observations of plants treated with BeeFriend to study its real-world effects on insects and pollinators.
Crucially, simultaneous to insect eradication, we diligently monitored our bee populations. Employing a bee counting methodology inspired by the esteemed University of Minnesota’s Great Sunflower Project, we consistently assessed the number of bees visiting our flowers. Our data consistently showed that bee activity not only remained robust but even slightly increased after BeeFriend's application, providing tangible evidence of its non-harmful nature towards honeybees. This direct observation in a living ecosystem powerfully affirmed BeeFriend’s dual capability: highly effective insect control without compromising vital pollinators.
