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(Archive) Eggshell Ceramic Research

‘Eggshell Ceramic Research’ shows material research of discarded eggshells as a useful material for single-use plates and decorative bowls.

This project was part of DDW 2021
Eggshell Ceramic — © Laura van de Wijdeven

Designer Laura van de Wijdeven developed a biodegradable but strong material out of eggshells. The material has the appearance of ceramics but the weight of cardboard. At the end of its life, the material can be used as a soil improver.

The project shows a variety of possibilities from the same bio-recipe and the use of biochar.

10 billion eggs a year are produced in the Netherlands, which makes the country the largest egg exporter in the world. An egg produces a valuable material which is often seen as waste; his shell. Luckily not all 10 billion eggshells are wasted, it’s often used as soil improver in agriculture. Eggshell Ceramic is a circular material derived from this industry to show new possibilities with this material. This project shows that we can also use the material one more time before it is given back to nature. Atelier LVDW developed a biodegradable but strong material out of the eggshells which can be a sustainable replacement for single use products. In addition to variations with the same recipe, experiments have been done with biochar, a black pigment made from 100% organic waste.

The research and final result of the project will be shown in the Coffeelab restaurant at Eindhoven Central Station. The exhibition provides insight into the use and added value of the material. Using materials from our daily lives in new ways is an important part of our future landscape.

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Eggshell Ceramic — © Laura van de Wijdeven