An eggshell on an average is composed with 2.2 g of calcium in the form of CaCO3. An estimate of around 98.2% of dry shell constitutes CaCO3, and 0.9% of each magnesium and phosphorous are the composition of eggshell. The chemical composition of chicken eggshells has been well researched upon.
Elemental and ultra-structural analysis revealed heterogeneous distribution of minerals throughout the thickness of the shell. Concentration of calcium, magnesium, and sodium were higher in inner layer of the shell before hatching.Eggshells offer a wide range of applications across various sectors, including nutrition, artwork, construction, fertilizers, and medicine.
They provide a richer source of calcium compared to limestone, making them a preferred natural alternative.. Additionally, eggshells serve as an effective alternative soil-stabilizing agent.
Eggshells serve as a natural fertilizer by supplying calcium, which helps reduce soil acidity. Waste eggshells also act as an effective humidity adsorbent. When heated at 1300°C for four hours, they produce calcium oxide (CaO), which has various industrial applications.
Researchers investigated the difference in the hydration rate of CaO produced from heating duck and chicken eggshells. Duck eggshells showed a higher capacity for humidity adsorption compared to chicken eggshells.
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Uses of Eggshell Powder
- Use eggshells as a calcium- and mineral-rich additive to wild bird feed and chicken feed.
- Add them to ground coffee before brewing. The shells help reduce any bitterness.
- As a soil additive for houseplants, they add minerals and help keep soil loose and aerated.
- Use those shells with soapy water as a natural abrasive for pots and pans, especially when cleaning products and really hot water are at a premium.
- Bake clean eggshells at 350 degrees for 8 minutes. Let cool and grind to a fine powder. Add as a calcium supplement (a teaspoonful does it) to juice, smoothies, etc.
- Add to your garden to keep cats away that may be using it as a litter box. Cats will not like the sharpness under their tender paws.
- Their smell can also reportedly deter deer and repel slugs, snails, and cutworms without resorting to toxic chemicals. Gardeners can crush mineral-rich eggshells and add them directly into planting holes to enhance soil nutrition and support plant growth.
Unclog drains: Placed in your sink strainer, they can trap errant solids. When they ultimately break down, they will serve to clean pipes on their way out.
Doggie defense: Dry eggshells in a 250-degree F oven for 30 minutes. Place in plastic bag and roll/crush with a rolling pin to a fine powder. Add to dog food as a supreme calcium supplement (be sure to check with your vet for the proper amount).
Market Outlook
India’s egg products industry relies almost completely on exports of egg powder, with the main markets being Europe and Japan. Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu account for almost half of the country’s egg production.
The largest producer of the egg is Andhra Pradesh (Including Telangana) which produces 30.5% of the total egg production in the country. Tamil Nadu ranks second, producing 18.9% of the egg production. Maharashtra, West Bengal and Haryana hold the next three ranks producing 6.5%, 6.4% and 5.8% of the total production respectively. Gujarat ranks 11th in the country in terms of egg production, contributing about 2.1%.
The eggshell membrane powder market is expected to grow at a CAGR of ~13% during the forecast period 2019-2029. The market is primarily driven by the increase in the adoption of the eggshell membrane as an ingredient in dietary supplements.
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The rise in consumption of eggshell membrane majorly in the capsule form is driving the market growth
The capsules segment, on the basis of product, dominated the eggshell membrane market in 2019. With the majority of key players supplying eggshell membrane in capsule form and its rising use as nutraceuticals, the demand for eggshell membranes is projected to remain high. In addition, the acceptance of capsules among consumers remains high as compared to tablets, processed powders, and gummies & chews.
There is a major shift noted worldwide towards natural product. This will lead to demand for eggshell membranes as both pharmaceutical and beauty industry embrace it whole heartedly. The idea behind the high adoption of this product is not just that it is natural but also because of properties such as high levels of hyaluronic acid, keratin and elastin. These are not just great for skin and hair bringing in the critical element of hydration and elasticity but also joint health as it is a source of dietary calcium, proteins, enzymes and acids.
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Use of Egg Membrane Powder in the Medical Field
The egg membrane can also be used in the medical field for bone grafting, where it is utilized in the preparation of artificial bones and as a replacement for plastic and steel materials traditionally used in their manufacturing.Usage of artificial egg membrane powder-based bones is more preferable, due to its calcium content, which resembles the human bone constituents. It is also used in drug-delivery therapy. The nano-particles of eggshell are also used in drug-delivery systems, thus, accelerating the market demand.
Agricultural bio-waste has been a known concept. However, increasing awareness about the associated health benefits are recently rendering them an attractive market value. With emerging applications across agricultural, biological, and environmental engineering domains, agricultural by-products are climbing up the popularity scale.
Conclusion: A Sustainable Business with High Growth Potential
Egg Shell Powder Processing is emerging as a promising opportunity for eco-conscious entrepreneurs, agri-startups, and MSMEs. It contributes to reducing environmental waste while enhancing soil health, animal nutrition, construction material development, and natural medicine applications.
With minimal investment required and the global demand for natural products on the rise, this venture offers high returns, low raw material costs, and strong potential for scalable growth.