Innovative Start-Up Develops Eco-Friendly Packaging from Onion Skins to Combat Waste
A start-up in Oban is developing eco-friendly packaging from onion skins to reduce waste and emissions. The company utilises onion skins' anti-microbial properties to extend the shelf life of perishable foods. HUID aims to launch paper made entirely from onion skins and replace traditional cardboard and paper packaging.
A pioneering start-up based in Oban is revolutionizing the packaging industry by creating environmentally friendly packaging using onion skins, aiming to reduce waste and lower emissions. Renuka Ramanujam, the CEO of HUID (the Dutch word for skin), a former textiles student, initially utilized onion skins for clothing dye. The company, led by the 30-year-old entrepreneur, collects waste peel from farmers and agricultural businesses to produce a cardboard-like material and an alternative to flexible film.
Supported by the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland, the company harnesses the anti-microbial properties of onion skins to potentially prolong the shelf life of perishable foods. By extracting high-quality cellulose from outer onion skins and blending it with biopolymers, HUID is at the forefront of sustainable packaging innovation.
Ms. Ramanujam shared, "I started experimenting with the material on my bedroom floor. Plastic leaches chemicals into food when it’s heated. I wanted to find a solution from something with no value. Imagine any meal you have - there’s bound to be some onion in there. Onions are a global staple for cuisines. They’re everywhere, so their waste is everywhere too."
Originally from India and now a Dutch national, Ms. Ramanujam relocated to Oban in 2021, drawn by the supportive community. The company's progress accelerated with the addition of chief scientific officer Marie Rapin, who is developing a flexible film to replace plastic bags for food items like spinach. The innovative duo is also exploring the creation of egg-carton-like products to further expand their sustainable packaging range.
Looking ahead, the pair aims to launch its first product next year - paper crafted entirely from onion skins. Ms. Ramanujam envisions replacing traditional cardboard and paper packaging with their innovative solution, emphasizing the environmental benefits. She highlighted, "Trees are super important to the environment, because of the animals they home and the carbon they hold. Onions don’t have that responsibility. Our material would save trees."
Ms. Ramanujam emphasized the importance of packaging in daily life, stating, "Whether that’s protection or cost, we’re always going to need it. We want to make sure it’s done in the best way possible." A spokesperson for the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland reiterated their commitment to championing sustainable solutions and supporting small and medium-sized businesses in accessing expertise and equipment for their innovative ventures.
A start-up in Oban is developing eco-friendly packaging from onion skins to reduce waste and emissions.
The company utilises onion skins' anti-microbial properties to extend the shelf life of perishable foods.
HUID aims to launch paper made entirely from onion skins and replace traditional cardboard and paper packaging.
Source: BBC