A Scottish startup is developing sustainable packaging made from onion skins, offering a plastic alternative and reducing waste in the process. Oban-based company HUID (the Dutch word for skin), founded by textiles specialist Renuka Ramanujam, is developing innovative eco-friendly packaging made from onion skins, potentially offering a sustainable alternative to plastic.
With the global focus on reducing household waste, HUID’s compostable materials aim to replace traditional plastic packaging, which is derived from fossil fuels and contributes significantly to environmental pollution.
HUID’s breakthrough packaging products are being supported by the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) and the Advanced Materials Research Laboratory (AMRL) at the University of Strathclyde, which are conducting tests to assess the performance, functionality, and environmental impact of these materials.
The startup has already produced two prototypes: Pyber, a material resembling cardboard, and Cellofil, a flexible film. Mechanical tests and lifecycle assessments conducted by AMRL and NMIS confirm that both products meet performance standards, with onion skins providing comparable mechanical strength to conventional plastics.
Crucially, onion skins contain natural anti-microbial properties, which could help prolong the shelf life of perishable foods when used as packaging. The production process involves extracting cellulose from onion skins and blending it into a biopolymer, creating a material that mimics the durability of plastic while being compostable.