Star’s Tech Starcrush, formerly known as Eco-St until late 2026, offers a de-icing solution designed to work more effectively than conventional road salt while leaving steel virtually free of corrosion. Founder Seungchan Yang explains that the product derives its effectiveness from the porous skeletal remains of an invasive starfish species responsible for destroying numerous shellfish and seaweed farms.
Creating the Innovative Formula
During his high school years, Yang conceived the idea of mixing crushed starfish bones with the calcium chloride and salt found in standard de-icing products. He theorized that the starfish material would capture excess chloride ions, thereby reducing the corrosiveness of the final mixture.
Global Expansion and Future Plans
Currently, the enterprise operates as South Korea’s largest manufacturer of de-icing agents. While select landscapers and airports across North America already utilize the product, the company currently prepares for an upcoming retail rollout in the United States.
