Andrew Bliss discovered a passion for sustainability through a chance encounter that changed his career trajectory. While running a consulting company in Taiwan, Bliss helped businesses expand to the West, but one of his first clients left a lasting impact with a patented eggshell-based technology for reducing plastic. His dedication to sustainability inspired Bliss to champion the solution and immerse himself in the fight against plastic waste.
With a newfound sense of purpose, Andrew Bliss founded Ecoshell to bring this sustainable technology to the U.S. market. Combining his expertise in business development with his client’s innovative material science, Ecoshell is transforming agricultural waste into sustainable solutions that reduce plastic usage by up to 50%.
Today, Ecoshell thrives with a team of passionate experts. Together, they are working to create a more sustainable future by redefining how businesses use and manage plastic.
We sat down with the Founder and CEO, Andrew Bliss, to explore what sparked his journey into sustainability, the unique approach Ecoshell brings to the industry, and his vision for a future of innovation and environmental stewardship.
How did you become interested in Sustainability?
AB: To be honest, while I was always concerned about the environment, I had never actively advocated for it beyond trying to be a responsible consumer. That changed, however, when I met the right client through my consulting company in Taiwan, where I was based for 17 years. My company helped Taiwanese businesses expand to the West, assisting with messaging, business and product development, establishing sales channels, and marketing. One of my first clients had a patented eggshell-derived technology for plastic reduction. The inventor’s passion for sustainability rubbed off on me, and the more I learned about his technology and our plastic crisis, the more passionate I became about championing his solution. Now, not only am I committed to plastic reduction, but I am also dedicated to calling out greenwashing by companies that advertise eco-friendly products with zero environmental benefits.
From a personal standpoint, adding sustainability to my work helped me check off another box. I have always been envious of my friends who found their calling early and are now doctors, environmental lawyers, or teachers—careers that provide income and intellectual challenge, as well as professional and personal fulfillment while contributing to society. Adding an environmental aspect to my job allowed me to do the same.
What inspired you to become a founder?
AB: Being able to define my own time is very important to me. I work very hard and long hours, but I need those hours to be when I set them. I think it’s silly to assume people can be productive every day during the same 9–5 window. I usually get a lot of work done in the early morning, from 6:00–9:00, then experience another burst of productivity from early afternoon into the evening, and finally work a few hours late at night before bed. The other hours I need to spend on activities that keep me sane and healthy, like working out, meditating, reading, or family and friend time.
I also wanted to be a founder because it fits my skill set perfectly. I can be smart in a few areas, but I never found that one area to which to devote all my attention and curiosity, like the inventor my company represents did. What I can do, though, is understand that technology, translate it into a marketable enterprise, and take a broad enough view to put the systems and people in place to help it thrive.
Tell us about your team: Who’s on it?
AB: Travis Lin is the inventor of our eggshell technology, and he serves as our technology and manufacturing advisor. He will help us continually innovate, apply for our IP, and guide our expansion into manufacturing. Travis was very patient in teaching me everything he knew about the material, his patented process, and sustainability in general. Having been scammed in the past by people attempting to help him expand to the West, he was understandably cautious, so I had to earn his trust. Two years after meeting him, he finally put his faith in me to bring his technology to the USA, which is now Ecoshell.
Other key members include our VP of Sales, Chris Meyer, who has been a godsend. Having been abroad for the past 21 years, I lacked business experience and a network in the U.S. Chris, with decades of experience in plastics and manufacturing—particularly in sales and business development—sought me out. Having already succeeded wildly in his first career, he was looking for a way to make a positive impact. He was also aware that eggshell-based solutions were gaining traction, and he discovered that we had the only patent and proof of product.
We also have an affiliate office in Canada that is female- and First Nations-owned. This team will be our partner for government procurement, and the two owners are dear friends I met while we all lived in Korea. Likewise, we have many sustainability consultants on our team who joined out of both interest in sustainability and, of course, the opportunity to make a living. Leading the group is Terry Faulkner, based in Colorado. His passion inspires us all, and he is currently undergoing training to prepare for greater responsibilities at Ecoshell, potentially leading our HR efforts.
Since returning to the U.S., I’ve been fortunate to participate in several incubators. The guidance from Launch Blue, Blue North, and Flywheel Cincinnati has been invaluable, providing not only mentorship but also the network my business sorely needed. In addition to potential partners, I have met folks who are now my advisors and mentors and will potentially take positions such as our COO, CMO, and CFO.
The inventor’s passion for sustainability rubbed off on me, and the more I learned about his technology and our plastic crisis, the more passionate I became about championing his solution.
Where do you see sustainability headed in the future?
AB: I would love to say we are headed toward a plastic-free future, but that is neither realistic nor necessary. Plastic is sometimes unavoidable, as the material offers excellent cost, weight, and barrier properties. That said, the misuse and mismanagement of plastic worldwide are horrendous. Plastic needs to be replaced with alternative materials whenever possible. When its use is necessary, we must reduce consumption as much as possible and manage its entire lifecycle responsibly.
This is where Ecoshell shines. Not only do we repurpose an agricultural waste product, but we also reduce the amount of plastic needed (by up to 50%). Moreover, products made with Ecoshell are certified recyclable. Even at the end of life, when the plastic inevitably needs to be incinerated or disposed of, up to 50% of that waste will be a harmless residue, thanks to Ecoshell.
So, I think the trend is toward plastic reduction for sure, as well as finding other solutions from nature, like using sunflower seeds for a natural coloring in place of harmful dyes. This is the area where Ecoshell will focus its innovation efforts. We also hope to collaborate with other innovators, such as those making plastic from milk, sugarcane, and other natural sources. While these solutions are expensive, our material can be combined with them to lower costs and reduce overall plastic content. For example, Lego is producing some bricks with Bio-PE, which costs double the price of petroleum-based plastics. By incorporating our material, priced in line with traditional plastics, they could reduce costs and increase the eco-benefit by cutting total plastic use.
I think this highlights another trend: combining different methods for the optimal solution. It used to be that the recycling advocates thought 100% recycling was the way to go, while the compostable plastics, bioplastics, and alternative material camps all thought their solutions should be standard. Now, I see a lot more combinations of approaches being used together as an overall environmental strategy rather than agreeing on one dominant solution.
What does success look like to Ecoshell in the short term and long term?
AB: In the short term, Ecoshell will focus on getting our material into products and packaging across the country. We will distribute directly and also use dealers and distributors to access their established client networks. Ultimately, we envision our eggshell-derived bio-calcium becoming a standard filler for the plastics industry.
Success will also come through innovation. We recently developed a new film combining ocean plastic and eggshell, which can be used for garment bags, shopping bags, and bubble wrap. Additionally, we plan to patent new compounds and resins for use in our own manufacturing facilities, as well as for distribution to other manufacturers.
Personally, I want Ecoshell to develop robust B2B and B2C product lines under our brand. With our material and network of partner manufacturers and designers across the U.S. and Taiwan, we have the capability to quickly bring eco-friendly products to market. We are limited only by our imagination, but this is the fun part of the job! Establishing a strong distribution network will allow us to focus more on new product and material development—where we can truly define our corporate personality and make the greatest environmental and financial impacts.
Find out more about Ecoshell at ecoshell.eco. Are you a startup based in or looking to relocate to Kentucky? Keyhorse’s current quarterly investment cycle is open! Apply now.
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