French company makes glasses from unwanted seashells

A French company has found a new use for the tonnes of oyster, mussel and scallop shells thrown away by restaurants and fishermen every year: it is making them into frames for sunglasses.

The idea has proved popular, with some models already sold out.

The company, named Friendly Frenchy, uses shells from Brittany and Normandy to make the eco-friendly frames in Auray, Brittany. Founders Sandrine Guyot and Laurent Pezé said: “We wanted to create a useful accessory which highlights French know-how, our territory and helps ocean protection.”

There are different designs and the colours match shells used. For example, the mussel glasses are blue with some yellow, while the scallop glasses are cream and brown with small tinges of orange.

Prices range from €80-€250