EGGXPERT reveals hidden value of eggshells

In the fight against waste and the optimal use of raw materials, it is not only about wanting to, but also about knowing how. The Chinese Rong Wang brought knowledge from Chinese traditional medicine to Limburg, so that the many eggshell wastes from the egg processing industry are no longer worthless, but are used to produce high-quality facial care products. With her company EGGXPERT, she found support from LIOF in the form of a grant and network support from the LimburgAgrofood program.

Hidden value

"The egg processing industry produces millions of tons of eggshell waste every year. Especially industrial (large) bakeries, restaurants and food (egg) processors. This goes to the landfill or they pay to have it collected, for example by municipal waste management. This not only means extra costs, but they also throw away a huge hidden value. Because eggshells and eggshell membrane have extraordinary biological functions. A shame!" explains Rong Wang, co-founder and CEO of EGGXPERT. "We therefore decided to revive this forgotten treasure trove of valuable ingredients. By combining scientific evidence with traditional wisdom, we develop eggshell membrane into rich facial care products. We are converting bio-waste into high quality skincare products."

Harmony

At the Brightlands Chemelot Campus in Geleen, EGGXPERT is developing a hydrating facial mask that is the combination of two cultures. "We believe that skincare is not only an experience to express yourself, but also a way to connect with nature. From ingredients to packaging, our design takes into account the earth and the well-being of its users. Our goal is to establish harmony between man and nature and create beauty for both."

Subisidy

Rong Wang explains how LIOF helped them. "We received Proof on Principle (POP) grant from the LimburgAgrofood program for our first project 'Towards skin care with biomass eggshell membranes'. In this, we use eggshell membrane proteins in face masks. We also received an innovation grant for the project 'REVEAL the robust value of eggshell membrane'. This makes it possible to produce liquid serum based on eggshell membrane for multiple products. Aimed at more end users and a larger market. We still have so much to develop!"

It didn't just stop at a financial injection. "I am also enormously grateful for the support we received in so many other areas. In grant writing, shaping our business, knowledge sharing and not forgetting networking. This opened so many important doors," said Rong Wang.

Niek Theunissen, business developer at LIOF, explains why they joined forces with EGGXPERT: "The team at EGGXPERT knows how to turn bio-waste into high-quality care products. In this way, it not only offers a sustainable product, but also makes its users aware of the possibilities and benefits of a sustainable lifestyle. We are happy to support that."

Production phase

The first product bears the name SCND SKIN. "We are proud of our first biobased face mask. This product is now in the production phase and is expected to hit the market in the summer of 2021. In addition, we are eager to develop more sustainable products from eggshell waste."

Read more about the collaboration between EGGXPERT and LIOF here.