OcaViva: Regenerative Modular Planters from Eggshell Biomaterials

University Center Armando Alvares Penteado – FAAP

OcaViva addresses the environmental challenge posed by the large-scale disposal of eggshells, an abundant organic by-product rich in calcium carbonate but rarely recovered. Belonging to the fields of sustainable product design, biomaterials and the circular bioeconomy, the project transforms eggshell waste into compostable modular planters. By extending the value of an underutilized biological resource and reconnecting users with regenerative gardening practices, OcaViva demonstrates how organic waste can become part of a continuous biological cycle rather than ending up in landfills.  
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Bioeconomy
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Ecodesign
Low-impact Textiles
Artificial Intelligence
Digital Product Passport
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Traceability
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Circular Business Models
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Life-Cycle Thinking
OcaViva is a modular planter system developed from a biomaterial made primarily of recycled eggshells and castor bean resin. The project combines low-impact material development with modular product design to encourage adaptability, durability and efficient use of space. Its interlocking configuration allows users to expand, rearrange and customize the system according to different environments and planting needs. At the end of its useful life, the planter can be crushed into a fine powder and returned to the soil as a calcium supplement, safely reintegrating the material into natural biological cycles.  
By replacing virgin materials with organic waste and designing for compostability and nutrient recovery, the project prioritizes waste valorization, biological regeneration and circular resource flows, in accordance with the principles of the waste hierarchy. The project resulted in a lightweight, waterproof biomaterial developed from recycled eggshells and renewable binders, as well as a functional modular planter system. Although its environmental impacts have not yet been quantified through Life Cycle Assessment, the project illustrates a potentially scalable approach to waste valorization, circular material use and regenerative product design.  

TEAM
João Figueiredo de Paula e Silva, Lúcia Mattos Di Curzio, Maria Bento Sarques, Prof. Milton Francisco Junior, Prof. Vania Perrotti Pires Graziato Perrotti Pires Graziato