Innovation

Every day, 30 million eggs are processed in the Netherlands alone, leaving 181 tons of eggshells biowaste. The goal of EGGXPERT, founded in Maastricht in late 2017, was to turn this eggshell waste into high-value feedstocks for more sustainable products. The two founders received early finance and mentoring from Brightlands (Maastricht Health Campus) incubation program, which helped them deal with the business's challenges. With this support, they established EGGXPERT, which specialises in providing eco-friendly solutions to recycle industrial eggshell waste by R&D validating the potential applications.

The company's primary innovation is the process of removing membrane proteins from eggshells for application in high-end skincare products. The process begins with separating the eggshell membranes from the hard mineral shells. The eggshell membrane is ground into a powder that dissolves in water and has anti-inflammatory and wound-healing qualities. It also minimises UV-induced skin ageing, boosts collagen synthesis, and activates cells. This membrane offers natural, biobased components that support the skin's health and well-being in various skincare products.

EGGXPERT offers not only a sustainable alternative to traditional materials but also reduces landfill waste. Their motto, “Make Waste Wonderful," captures their dedication to turning bio-waste into sustainable products. EGGXPERT’s innovation aligns with multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals, specifically SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). This alignment underscores EGGXPERT's commitment to global sustainability, instilling confidence in its mission.

Inspiration

Dr. Rong Wang, with her extensive background in chemistry, biomaterials, additive manufacturing, and tissue regeneration, saw potential in converting eggshell waste into valuable products. Her journey began on a bus ride to the Chemelot campus, where she met her co-founder, Chang Liu. Their conversation sparked the idea of using eggshell membranes for skincare products. Although neither sought to start a business, Brightlands in Limburg encouraged them to transform the idea into a viable venture. The invitation to join an incubator program, providing initial funding and entrepreneurial workshops, motivated them to take the plunge. Rong recalls, “We don’t know how to do business in the Netherlands, but if we don’t start, we will never know.”. This marked the start of their entrepreneurial journey, driven by the vision of creating sustainable innovations from eggshell waste.

Rong's vision extends far beyond just skincare products. She sees potential in using the minerals from the hard part of eggshells for various applications, including sunscreen, replacing industrial mining fillers in plastic, flooring, paint and others, all aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of the raw materials. Her enthusiasm for this innovative and ecological approach is evident when she states, “I can make a laptop cover with eggshells. Can you imagine that? Or the cups you drink from, I can also make from eggshells.”.

Compared to many entrepreneurs, Rong is not primarily concerned about future competition. Instead, she focuses on the broader mission of environmental stewardship, emphasising, “My naive mission is that I want everybody to look at the potential of eggshells and use them as new materials instead of just throwing them in the trash, where they will end up in landfills.” For Rong, the ultimate goal is the widespread adoption of waste materials for new products, illustrating her dedication to making a significant environmental impact.

Overall impact

Although EGGXPERT is still in its early stages, its potential for significant impact is evident. The potential for broader environmental benefits is considerable, though further data is needed to quantify the firm’s greenhouse gas emission reductions. EGGXPERT’s multifaceted impacts regarding ecological sustainability and human well-being can mainly be observed.

In the short term, EGGXPERT has made a significant stride by successfully diverting a substantial amount of eggshell waste, transforming it into high-value products. The skincare product, SCND SKIN facial mask, made from natural and bio-based ingredients, offers customers a safer alternative to traditional skincare items. EGGXPERT's transparency about their product ingredients ensures that customers are protected from harmful chemicals, promoting better skin health. The initial market response has been very positive, with customers appreciating both the natural ingredients and the sustainability of the products.

Moreover, EGGXPERT’s innovation aligns with broader environmental policies such as the EU’s Green Deal, which advocates using bio-based and waste-derived materials. This alignment supports the long-term goal of achieving a more sustainable and circular economy. As mentioned, Rong’s ambitions extend beyond the skin care industry, envisioning the adoption of eggshell regeneration in various other sectors. EGGXPERT aims to expand its product offerings to industries such as eco-flooring, plastics, and additive manufacturing. As EGGXPERT grows, its influence on reducing waste and promoting eco-friendly products will likely increase, contributing to a greener and more sustainable planet. Rong's pioneering approach sets a powerful example for other entrepreneurs, demonstrating the vast potential of sustainable innovations to make a significant environmental impact.

Business benefit

EGGXPERT’s creative strategy and innovation in reusing eggshell waste have benefited the company in numerous ways. Firstly, by converting waste into sustainable products, EGGXPERT has generated new revenue streams, allowing the company to expand its operations and aim for uninterrupted growth quickly. The consistent demand for their skincare products has sustained a stable customer base, strengthening their financial foundation. This economic stability has enabled and allowed EGGXPERT to reinvest in R&D, expanding their product portfolio and preserving a competitive advantage in the industry, which is considered of enormous importance, as pointed out by Dr Rong Wang herself.

In addition, EGGXPERT’s commitment to sustainability has attracted investors looking to assist and find firms that benefit the environment. This potential capital injection will enable them to expand their manufacturing capacities, hire more people, create jobs, and contribute to constant economic growth. The company's emphasis on innovation and sustainability has also boosted staff retention and well-being. Due to the extremely high importance given to workplace conditions, employees are driven and happy to be part of a firm that values environmental stewardship and social responsibility, resulting in a more engaged and productive workplace.

EGGXPERT’s excellent reputation as a sustainable and innovative company has opened new markets and offered chances for collaboration with other organisations looking to improve their sustainability efforts and commitment; collaborations with cosmetic brands and plastic manufacturers, for example, have broadened EGGXPERT’s market reach and product applications, strengthening their market position and fostering long-term growth.

Social and environmental benefit

EGGXPERT’s unique, exclusive, and innovative use of eggshell waste serves society and the environment, addressing waste management and resource utilisation issues. EGGXPERT reduces the environmental impact of waste disposal and greenhouse gas emissions by shifting eggshell waste away from landfills or low-value applications.

The company's products and goods, including using eggshells as a functional ingredient and fillers, offer environmentally beneficial alternatives compared to standard materials. For example, using mineral-rich eggshells in plastic fillers decreases reliance on traditional mined minerals, which often can require ecologically damaging extraction methods. This conserves natural resources and reduces the environmental impact of manufacturing industries. Furthermore, EGGXPERT’s sunscreen solutions, manufactured from eggshell minerals, provide a sustainable alternative that alleviates the adverse effects of conventional sunscreen components on marine habitats.

EGGXPERT’s innovation and 'way of doing things' not only improve social welfare by creating jobs and stimulating the local economy but also play a significant role in promoting a culture of environmental responsibility. The company's activities, which create jobs in research, production, and sales, also promote the economic development of the region in which it operates. EGGXPERT's commitment to environmental responsibility serves as an inspiration, encouraging other companies and individuals to think about sustainable practices and the possibilities arising from waste materials.

Interview

Rong Wang, Founder and managing director