# Starfish-Based Ice Melters The STAR's TECH 'ECO-ST' Product is Made from an Invasive Species By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2020-02-26 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stars-tech-ecost References: [thegadgetflow](https://thegadgetflow.com/portfolio/eco-friendly-ice-melter/) & [kickstarter](https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/eco-st/dont-buy-the-product-buy-technology?ref=53dwh8&utm_source=GadgetFlow&utm_campaign=GadgetFlow) Conventional road salt is essential for use in wintertime to prevent slick outdoor surfaces but is notorious for causing negative effects on the environment, so the STAR's TECH 'ECO-ST' ice melter is positioned as an eco alternative. The product is formulated with [starfish biomass](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/university-of-sharjah) that is sourced from the aquatic creature after it has been harvested from the sea. This comes as an eco-friendly process because of the starfish's invasive nature, which has prompted some governmental organizations to remove them in mass quantities to protect [underwater ecosystems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/artificial-sand). The STAR's TECH 'ECO-ST' ice melter makes use of this waste to eliminate the need to dispose of the creatures, while also offering a more [eco-friendly alternative to road salt](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/leaf-mineral) that won't contaminate runoff. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.1/10 - Popularity: 33% | Activity: 20% | Freshness: 9% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Eco-friendly Ice Melters:** The opportunity for disruptive innovation lies in developing alternative ice melting products that are environmentally friendly, such as the STAR's TECH 'ECO-ST' ice melter made from starfish biomass. - **Sustainable Sourcing:** There is potential for disruptive innovation in industries that source their materials sustainably, like using invasive species waste for product manufacturing. - **Contamination-free Road Salt Alternatives:** The opportunity for disruptive innovation exists in creating road salt alternatives that do not contaminate runoff, like the STAR's TECH 'ECO-ST' ice melter made from starfish biomass. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Chemical Manufacturing:** Chemical manufacturers can explore innovative ways to create eco-friendly products by utilizing waste materials from invasive species, like starfish biomass. - **Environmental Services:** Environmental service providers can potentially benefit from the removal and processing of invasive species waste, like starfish biomass, for use in various applications such as eco-friendly ice melters. - **Road Maintenance:** The road maintenance industry can pursue disruptive innovation by adopting alternatives to traditional road salt, such as the STAR's TECH 'ECO-ST' ice melter made from starfish biomass, to reduce environmental impact and contamination. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Sea Salt-Powered Herbicides](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sea-saltpowered-herbicides.md) - [Seafood Waste Bioplastics](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/natnov-bioscience.md) - [Alternative Dry Ice Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/thermal-custom-packaging.md) - [Crab-Based Dog Treats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/green-monstah.md) - [Eco Insulated Boxes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cruz-cool.md) - [Cost-Conscious Crab Meat Alternatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vegan-zeastar.md) - [Plant-Based Winter Sport Waxes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mountainflow-ecowax.md) - [Mycelium-Based Fish-Free Caviar](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/optimized-foods-mycocarrier.md) - [Biodegradable Glitter Innovations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/biodegradable-glitter1.md)