The Circul’Egg project, led by Première students Lôbô, Chloé, Tracy, Jean-Benoît, and Agathe as part of the Prix Pierre Potier des Lycéens, is a powerful example of how science can serve the environment.
Starting from a simple observation – eggshells, massively discarded by the agri-food industry, are poorly recycled – the team explored an innovative solution to give these waste products new value. In France alone, nearly 40,000 tons of eggshells are landfilled or incinerated each year. Circul’Egg offers an eco-friendly, sustainable alternative that fits into a circular economy model.
Using patented technology, the eggshells are mechanically separated from their membrane without any chemical treatment. This process allows for the creation of two valuable products:
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Bio-based calcium carbonate, used in industries such as glass, paint, and rubber.
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A powder rich in collagen and hyaluronic acid, highly sought after in cosmetics and dietary supplements.
Circul’Egg is not just a recycling project – it’s a revolution in the way we perceive waste. It proves that technological progress can go hand in hand with environmental impact and economic development. With a factory already launched in Janzé, the project is entering full industrial scale.
The students brilliantly demonstrated the central role of chemistry in the ecological transition: advanced recycling, greenhouse gas reduction, innovation in sustainable materials, and the revaluation of natural resources. Their project shows a strong commitment to building a more responsible future.
Bravo to Lôbô, Chloé, Tracy, Jean-Benoît, and Agathe for their scientific and environmental engagement!