Onion skins and eco-packaging: innovation for a sustainable future
The packaging industry is undergoing a deep transformation, driven by increasing demand for sustainable solutions. One of the most innovative developments comes from the UK, where startup Huid has created a new type of packaging material using onion skins—an agricultural waste product often discarded without a second thought.
From waste to resource: the potential of onion skins
Huid, founded by Renuka Ramanujam in Oban, Scotland, has developed a process that extracts high-quality cellulose from onion skins. These outer layers, typically considered waste, are rich in natural fibers and possess antimicrobial and antioxidant properties—features that can extend the shelf life of perishable goods.
This raw material is then used to produce sustainable alternatives to plastic and cardboard. Among the most promising are:
- Cellofil: a flexible film ideal for wrapping food, similar in functionality to conventional plastic packaging;
- Pyber: a more rigid, carton-like material suitable for containers and outer packaging.
Both materials are derived from a mix of onion-skin cellulose and plant-based biopolymers, making them fully biodegradable and compostable.
Circular economy and sustainable design
Using onion skins for packaging is a perfect example of circular economy principles. Instead of treating agricultural byproducts as waste, this model transforms them into valuable inputs for new products. This not only reduces environmental impact but also opens up new opportunities in product innovation and design.
For brands, adopting materials like Cellofil and Pyber means more than reducing their carbon footprint. It’s a strategic move to align with consumer expectations, particularly among audiences increasingly sensitive to climate and environmental issues.
Sustainable packaging as a branding asset
In a competitive market, integrating sustainable materials into product packaging is not just a responsible choice—it’s also a branding opportunity. Communicating the use of natural, waste-derived materials like onion skins can enhance a brand’s storytelling and position it as an innovator in environmental responsibility.
Moreover, visual identity and packaging design can benefit from these materials’ unique textures and aesthetics, offering a tactile and emotional layer to the customer experience. Today’s consumers don’t just buy products—they buy values. And sustainability is at the top of that list.
Challenges and scalability
Like any emerging innovation, onion-skin packaging still faces some hurdles. From scalability of production to certifications for food safety and shelf-life performance, widespread adoption requires time, testing, and investment. However, the early results are promising, and growing interest from both brands and consumers suggests a bright future for this approach.
As more companies seek out eco-friendly alternatives to plastic, solutions like those developed by Huid could become a reference point in the industry.
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