Eggshell membrane heals chronic sores

Photo: Sune Eriksen

At Nortura’s Revetal facility, thousands of eggs are cracked each day to produce egg ingredients and egg-based products, such as waffles. But what happens to the shells? Each year, 800 tonnes of eggshells are generated. For years, the solution was to pay for disposal until a new, innovative technology was introduced to make better use of this valuable resource.

Norwegian hens are in a league of their own when it comes to animal health and welfare. This results in high-quality eggs – an excellent starting point for developing new products.

Through a collaboration between Norilia, Nortura Revetal, and the start-up company Biovotec, an industrial production line was established a few years ago to separate the eggshell membrane from the shell using airflows in a cyclone. The technology is entirely new, based on a patented pilot developed by Biovotec, and is more efficient, hygienic, and gentle than traditional separation methods.

The process produces two valuable ingredients: eggshell calcium and eggshell membrane. Today, eggshell calcium is used in dietary supplements and soil improvement products. Less known is the significant potential of the membrane, which is increasingly used in dietary supplements for skin, joint, and bone health. In addition, our partner Biovotec has developed a medical wound dressing made from eggshell membrane, with documented effectiveness in the treatment of chronic wounds. The product is now under regulatory approval for commercial sale in various markets.

800 tonnes of eggshell at Nortura Revetal

Eggshell isn't just shell - the valuable membrane within the eggshell is separated from the rest of the shell using a unique process.

From folk remedy to biotechnology

Chronic wounds are a serious health problem for the individuals affected and for society. Treatment is challenging, and the costs are high.

Did you know that old folk remedies claim that eggshell membrane can help wounds heal? To harness this knowledge on a large scale requires an industrial method to separate the membrane from the shell. This was the reason behind the establishment of the shell separation facility at Nortura Revetal. The facility secures a steady supply of membrane for wound dressing production, while also increasing the value of the eggshell.

Clinical studies (conducted as part of the Biovotec project) show that wound dressings made from eggshell membrane heal wounds at least as effectively as the best products on the market today. In addition, it can be produced at a lower cost than existing alternatives. This could make effective wound care available to more people suffering from chronic wounds.

An eggshell provides lots of opportunities

Norilia continues to explore new applications for eggshell calcium and membrane in food, dietary supplements, feed, materials, and soil improvement. With new technology and innovative solutions, we can give eggshells new life while also strengthening our contribution to sustainability and the circular economy.

Norilia is responsible for the sale of eggshell calcium and membrane produced at Nortura Revetal. If you are interested in learning more about benefits and potential applications, please contact Øystein Danielsen (oystein.danielsen@norilia.no).