A team of advanced researchers in the UK has been able to develop a proprietary process through which they can make sustainable plastic out of the egg shells. This group of scientists from the University of Leicester has developed this amazing new process of transforming the egg shells into a synthetic material, which can be used to blend with the PET, polyethylene, and the polypropylene as fillers.
Even with the fillers, the newly blended plastic shows equally good barrier properties. The scientists use a simple process to separate the protein and the calcium carbonate elements from the egg shells and then, they blend the components with the plastic after drying them into powdery flour. William Wise was the one who passed this news about the newest invention to the FoodProductionDaily.com. He is a post-doctoral associate at the University of Leicester’s green chemistry unit.
As per the statement given by William Wise, the researchers are currently in the phase, where they are able to successfully blend the plastic and the egg shell component. Currently, they can mix the substance up to a level of 30 percent. However, they have the plan to increase the level up to 50 percent in the near future. In fact, this useful product is derived from a domestic waste product, which is quite commendable.
At present, the process includes a compression moulding technique with some minimal filler levels. Thus, the team is aiming at increasing the filler levels with the help of an extrusion process. Unquestionably, plastic is extensively used in the food packaging industry and in the general packaging industries; hence, such an alternative plastic synthesis process is truly commendable. The newly blended plastic also undergoes some tests to meet the safety guidelines of the food packaging industry. After several tests, it has been confirmed that there is no problems in terms of safety issues related to both sterility and bacterial stability.
Furthermore, Wise had mentioned about the better barrier properties of this newest blended plastic with its filler-added materials in contrast to its conventional counterparts. In fact, the researcher team had subjected the material for a soaking test by leaving a sample soaking in water for a period of one month just to check if there is any sign of disintegration. The process is presently at the laboratory level.
With the generous monetary support of £20,000 from the Food and Drink iNet, the researcher group is planning to build an advanced pilot-scale plant, so they can use it for developing the plastic from the eggshell through a sterile pre-treatment and the post-treatment process. This advanced lab will also have the facility to test the strength, mechanical properties, and the product compatibility of the new materials for the process of transforming eggshell into plastic.
Wise also mentioned that the team is keen to find out new commercial partners who can support them throughout the project development. In addition, they are looking for alternative ways that they can use to create more of this sustainable plastic material to supplement the overall plastic packaging in various industries.
The team has also taken the initiative to communicate with a number of food manufacturers who use large quantities of eggs regularly. In this way, the research team can get an abundant supply of egg shells from both the small and medium-sized egg-related companies in their region. As a result, the food manufacturers will also be able to save some cash in terms of landfill tax, disposal, and recycling.
If you are interested of finding more about Polyester film, come visit us to learn more about PET Plastic right away.