> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.protein.xyz/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Crustic
- URL: https://www.protein.xyz/crustic/
- Published: 2013-07-08T15:51:00.000Z
- Updated: 2016-06-16T12:32:01.000Z
- Description: Crushed crab shells are broken down and transformed into plastic-like designs in the latest project by RCA grad, Jeongwon Ji
- Author: Joe Iley
- Tags: Seeds, Art & Design, #protein, #Import 2024-06-11 13:25

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/fc/71/fc716215-5729-441a-bd07-e2b50bc413b1/content/images/S3/protein/9428/0ba8f2f0-8f41-41de-8aca-d82d12a265bb.jpeg)

For her Royal College of Art graduate show project, [BioElectric](http://www.jeongwonji.com/bioelectric.html?ref=protein.xyz), [Jeongwon Ji](http://www.jeongwonji.com/?ref=protein.xyz) has created a bioplastic derived from the crushed remains of Chinese mitten crab shells.  
  
Aiming to produce a tactile alternative to the characterless, mass-produced cases used for most electronic products, Ji extracted a derivative of glucose called chitin from the crustaceans and combined it with water and glycerin to form a new material she calls Crustic.  
  
The end product is a non-toxic, biocompatible plastic that’s also individually distinct: as it cures, the material loses the unnaturally perfect shape it gets from the mould it was formed in to feel slightly rougher and more organic. And, by using a natural product sourced from an overpopulated species, Ji seeks to promote an effective, sustainable material that has all the benefits of plastics without the harmful downsides.  
  
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/fc/71/fc716215-5729-441a-bd07-e2b50bc413b1/content/images/S3/protein/9428/a02e6aca-ff17-4b2d-af00-b2472c869763.jpeg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/fc/71/fc716215-5729-441a-bd07-e2b50bc413b1/content/images/S3/protein/9428/e07b360b-d1ce-4857-b89a-75f4b5c86332.jpeg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/fc/71/fc716215-5729-441a-bd07-e2b50bc413b1/content/images/S3/protein/9428/0d06a1e3-608a-40eb-b625-47f5d6cb2398.jpeg)