What is egg membrane powder?
Egg membrane powder is an ingredient obtained by separating the thin membrane on the inner surface of the eggshell from the shell, drying and milling it. It naturally contains collagen types I, V and X, elastin, hyaluronic acid, glycosaminoglycans (including chondroitin sulphate) and keratin. Protein content is typically 80–88%. The supplement industry uses it at low doses in joint, cartilage and skin health products.
How is it produced?
Shells from egg-breaking plants are washed; the membrane is separated by mechanical (vacuum, air flow) or chemical-enzymatic methods, dried and milled to 80–200 mesh. In hydrolysed grades enzymatic hydrolysis breaks the protein into smaller peptides, increasing solubility and bioavailability. The product may be sterilised by heat or non-irradiation methods for microbiological safety.
Composition and mechanism
Collagen and elastin in the membrane are building blocks of connective tissue; hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulphate are components of joint fluid and cartilage. Clinical studies have reported positive results on joint pain and flexibility at daily doses of 300–500 mg; health claims on product labels must follow local regulations.
Applications
Joint and cartilage support supplements (capsules, tablets, sachets), skin-hair-nail products, functional beverages and powder blends, sports nutrition, anti-ageing formulations. Because of the low dose requirement it occupies little volume in the formulation.
Technical properties and quality criteria
Check protein, collagen content (via hydroxyproline), elastin and hyaluronic acid statements, moisture (≤ 8%), ash (≤ 5%), particle size, solubility, microbiological values, heavy metals and allergen statement (egg). Molecular weight distribution may be requested for hydrolysed grades. GMP and halal documents matter for supplement manufacturers.
What to check when buying
For capsule filling, flow properties and bulk density; for beverages, a hydrolysed grade and solubility come first. USA, the European Union and China are common origins. Obtain the specification, lot-specific COA, heavy metal and microbiological reports, allergen statement and GMP/halal documents with the quotation.
Wholesale sourcing: price and minimum order
The wholesale price of egg membrane powder is set by grade (standard/hydrolysed), collagen content, origin, scope of documentation and order quantity. Because of low-dose use, the typical minimum order can be as small as 25–100 kg; it is stated in the quotation. PERDIST identifies the grade suited to your target product, compares sources and provides a written quotation with documents.
Frequently asked questions
Specification summary
The values below come from the Egg Membrane Powder page of the PERDIST catalogue and are confirmed per batch with the specification and certificate of analysis on every shipment.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Typical properties | Protein ≥ 80–88% (contains collagen types I, V and X and elastin), moisture ≤ 8%, ash ≤ 5%, cream to light brown colour, 80–200 mesh. Values vary by supplier specification. |
| Applications | Joint and cartilage support supplements, skin-hair-nail products, capsule and tablet formulations, functional beverage and sachet powders, sports nutrition. |
| Formulation note | Typical daily dose 300–500 mg; hydrolysed grades are preferred for higher solubility and bioavailability. Check flow properties for capsule filling. |
| Shelf life and storage | Typically 24 months in unopened packaging; store cool, dry and away from light. |
| Packaging | Typically 20–25 kg kraft bags or cartons with aluminium-laminated inner liner; pallets of 500–1000 kg. |
| Minimum order | Usually one pallet (500 kg). Smaller quantities for trial production are stated in the quotation depending on product and supplier. |
| Origin | Common origins: USA, European Union, China. Documented per lot in the quotation. |
Documents to request from the supplier
- Protein calculation: the nitrogen factor (N×6.25) and whether the value is on dry matter.
- Solubility and particle distribution data, plus notes on the taste profile.
- Batch certificate of analysis and origin document, showing the number of the batch shipped.
For supplier selection, auditing and the approved supplier list, see the supplier evaluation and approval guide.
Sample and approval steps
The steps from requesting a sample to the application trial and keeping a reference sample are set out in the ingredient sample evaluation and approval guide.
Regulatory and documentation context
Protein content and wording such as "high protein" fall under nutrition claim rules: the Turkish Food Codex regulation on nutrition and health claims, and Regulation 1924/2006 in the EU. Allergen declaration is required separately for egg and plant proteins.
Need current pricing, minimum order, origin or technical documents for this ingredient? Tell us the application and monthly quantity; we reply with a written quotation within one business day.