A start-up in Oban, UK is focusing on the development of eco-friendly packaging solutions, utilizing onion skins to create a sustainable alternative to traditional packaging materials. Renuka Ramanujam, CEO of HUID, has pivoted from utilizing onion skins as a dye source to innovating in the packaging sector. Her company collaborates with farmers and agricultural entities to repurpose waste peel into a cardboard-like material and a flexible film substitute, with support from the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland.
The packaging benefits from the anti-microbial properties of onion skins, potentially extending the shelf life of perishable goods. The process involves extracting high-quality cellulose from the outer layers of onion skins and integrating it with a biopolymer mixture, aiming to reduce the annual disposal of 90 billion pieces of plastic packaging by UK households.
Ramanujam's journey began with experimentation in her bedroom, driven by a desire to find value in commonly discarded materials and mitigate the chemical leaching associated with plastic packaging. Her move to Oban from London in 2021 marked a significant shift, attributing her decision to the strong community support in the area.
Together with chief scientific officer Marie Rapin, Ramanujam is working on refining the prototypes, including a flexible film aimed at replacing plastic bags for items like spinach, and exploring the production of egg-carton-like products. The team anticipates launching their first product, paper made entirely from onion skins, next year, with aspirations to replace other forms of packaging and contribute to environmental conservation.
The National Manufacturing Institute Scotland spokesperson highlighted their support for sustainable solutions and the assistance provided to small and medium-sized enterprises in accessing necessary expertise and equipment.
Source: BBC