Innovative Business Turns Onion Skins into Sustainable Packaging to Cut Waste

Vithanage Erandi Kawshalya Madhushani Jade Times Staff

V.E.K. Madhushani is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Technology.

---

Image Source : Cameron Angus-Mackay

Transforming Food Waste into Eco-Friendly Packaging Solutions

A forward thinking business is transforming food waste into eco friendly packaging by using onion skins as a primary material. This innovative approach aims to reduce both food and plastic waste, contributing to the growing movement for sustainable packaging solutions.

The company, based in the UK, identified onion skins typically discarded during food preparation as an untapped resource. Rich in fibers and natural compounds, these skins are being repurposed into biodegradable packaging, reducing the need for single use plastics.

The business’s founder explained that onion skins are durable and naturally resistant to bacteria, making them an ideal material for packaging. “The idea is to create something that not only reduces waste but also offers a sustainable alternative to traditional packaging methods,” they said.

The production process involves drying and processing the skins, which are then molded into various packaging formats. The result is a sturdy, compostable material that can be used for food products, reducing the environmental impact caused by conventional packaging materials like plastic.

This innovation is part of a broader global shift towards sustainable business practices, where companies are increasingly focusing on circular economy models where waste products are reused or repurposed rather than discarded. The use of food by products like onion skins is a significant step forward in reducing the waste burden on the environment.

The company hopes to scale production and collaborate with food producers and retailers to integrate onion skin packaging into the mainstream market. Their goal is to provide a practical, sustainable solution that helps reduce the environmental footprint of packaging while inspiring other industries to explore similar waste reducing innovations.