Cracking the Shell of Endless Opportunities: How Kewpie is committed to being Eco-Friendly
KEWPIE is not only passionate about creating delicious mayonnaise and other egg-based products; but is also deeply committed to sustainability and reducing waste. With the company dating back to 1919 and the start of mayonnaise production in 1925, KEWPIE has been exploring innovative ways to recycle and repurpose the eggshells that are a byproduct of its manufacturing process for over 60 years.
The Potential of Eggshells
During Japan’s high economic growth period in the 1960s, mayonnaise consumption increased, resulting in the push to find a way to utilize eggshells as a valuable resource. Eggshells are rich in calcium carbonate and have unique properties that make them very useful in daily applications.
Calho-pe (カルホープ): Our Sustainable Eggshell Material
One of KEWPIE’s most significant developments has been “Calho-pe (カルホープ),” a sustainable material derived from eggshells. Developed over 40 years ago in 1981, Calho-pe has a porous structure that allows it to be used as a calcium supplement in food, texture enhancer and a natural shelf life preservative. It’s even used in KEWPIE’s own calcium-enriched food products, like “Genki na Hone” (Healthy Bones), which promotes bone health by providing an easy way to consume calcium daily.
The development of Calho-pe was not without challenges. One of the most significant hurdles was separating the eggshell from the eggshell membrane, as the membrane could cause discoloration and odor. KEWPIE’s research team found a way to mechanically separate the two components without using chemicals. They also succeeded in creating ultra-fine particles of Calho-pe, with an average size of 4-8 μm, which further expanded its potential applications.
Collaborating for Sustainable Flooring
KEWPIE’s eggshell recycling efforts don’t stop there. The company has recently collaborated with Toli Corporation, a flooring company founded in the same year as KEWPIE, to create “Biomix Stone,” an innovative flooring material that incorporates eggshells from KEWPIE’s factories. Each tile of Biomix Stone has a unique pattern thanks to the natural variations in eggshells, making it a beautiful and sustainable choice for interior design. This collaboration between the two companies showcases the amazing potential for eggshells to be used in the most unexpected applications in our daily lives.
Figure 1 Biomic Stone® Grand Pattern
Exploring New Possibilities
KEWPIE is continuously researching new ways to incorporate eggshells. From traditional uses like soil conditioners and animal feed to industrial applications like chalk, and even eggshell-infused paper and plastics. KEWPIE believes there are countless opportunities to transform this often-overlooked byproduct into a valuable, eco-friendly resource.
Our Commitment to Sustainability
At KEWPIE, the commitment to sustainability goes hand in hand with the dedication to quality and innovation in food. By finding creative solutions for eggshell recycling, KEWPIE is not only reducing waste but also creating new possibilities for a more sustainable future. As the company continues to grow and evolve, KEWPIE remains focused on exploring new ways to draw out the potential of eggshells and lessen its environmental impact, for a more sustainable world for all.