Maine Researchers Created Lobster Shell Golf Tees

The University of Maine developed biodegradable tees made from discarded lobster shell byproducts.

Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Golf

Maine Researchers Created Lobster Shell Golf Tees

Live Poll

Would you use golf tees made from recycled lobster shells instead of traditional wood or plastic?

Researchers at the University of Maine have developed a new golf tee manufactured from ground-up lobster shells. This sustainable project aims to address waste management issues by repurposing byproducts from the local lobster industry.

Why it matters

The project turns underutilized waste from Maine's lobster industry into an eco-friendly product that decomposes into soil-enriching minerals. It offers a sustainable alternative to the estimated 1 billion wooden golf tees discarded annually.

Researchers can produce three to six lobster shell tees per hour using material from Shucks Maine Lobster. The tees decompose within 30 days while releasing beneficial nutrients into the soil.

The players

University of Maine

This public research university in Orono leads the project to convert seafood industry waste into sustainable consumer products.

Shucks Maine Lobster

Based in Richmond, this facility provides the lobster shells used as the primary raw material for the new golf tees.

The details

The team in Orono spent years testing the durability of the shells to ensure they withstand pressure equivalent to standard wooden or plastic alternatives. Researchers process the material by drying, breaking down, grinding, and sifting the discarded shells into a fine powder for production.

Ongoing production of the lobster shell tees by University of Maine researchers.

Season Trajectory

This development reflects a broader move within the golf industry to embrace sustainable equipment in response to environmental concerns. By utilizing local waste streams, the project highlights how regional industries can impact national sport-related sustainability standards.

Golfers looking for sustainable options may eventually see these tees in pro shops, replacing standard wood. The production cost of up to USD 0.35 per tee indicates they may carry a price premium compared to traditional bulk-purchased wooden options.

The takeaway

These biodegradable tees offer a practical way to reduce the waste generated by millions of golfers each year. By using local byproducts, the innovation demonstrates how common waste materials can be transformed into useful, soil-friendly sporting goods.