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Eggshells in Bioplastics
Eggshells are also revolutionizing bioplastics as a biobased filler and biodegradability enhancer. When blended with biopolymers like polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), starch, or chitosan, eggshell particles (10 – 70% by weight) improve material performance:
- Mechanical properties: Increased tensile strength (up to 30%) and rigidity due to CaCO₃’s reinforcing effect.
- Barrier properties: Reduced water vapor permeability, ideal for food packaging.
- Biodegradability: Accelerated decomposition in soil or compost, unlike persistent petroleum plastics.
Globally, where plastic waste remains a critical issue, eggshells in bioplastics could replace single-use plastics in packaging and agricultural films. The Dutch government’s push for a 50% reduction in virgin plastic use by 2030 aligns with this innovation.
Eggshells in plastics
Globally, where plastic waste remains a critical issue, eggshells in bioplastics could replace single-use plastics in packaging and agricultural films. The Dutch government’s push for a 50% reduction in virgin plastic use by 2030 aligns with this innovation.
Eggshells in products
Repurposing eggshells into bioplastics delivers key sustainability benefits: waste diversion (reducing landfill use and methane emissions), carbon footprint reduction (eggshell processing emits 60–70% less CO₂ vs. limestone or synthetic fillers), resource conservation (1 ton of eggshells replaces 1 ton of mined limestone), and non-toxicity (biocompatible for safe disposal or medical use).
“At ColorFabb, we are driven by innovation and a deep commitment to sustainability. By 2027, we envision ColorFabb as a global leader in high-performance 3D printing filaments, with a distinctive footprint in bio-based materials such as PHA. Our participation in the Print the Planet Green (PPG) project exemplifies this vision—merging advanced materials science with the urgency of circular economy solutions.
In the Netherlands, we’re proud to upcycle local eggshell waste into next-generation, eco-friendly PHA filaments. This initiative not only reduces reliance on petrochemical plastics but showcases how regional waste streams can power sustainable innovation on a global scale. Through our pioneering efforts in speed, quality, and affordability in 3D printing, ColorFabb is proving that sustainability and cutting-edge technology are not mutually exclusive—but mutually reinforcing. ”
Ruud Rouleaux
Owner, colorFabb B.V.