By now, most people are aware of our planet's collective challenge regarding microplastics.
An estimated 910,000 tonnes of plastic are released into terrestrial environments in the UK alone from sources including microfibres in clothing, tyres, and packaging. When these plastics hit the environment, these materials are almost impossible to remove and will not degrade for hundreds of years.
“Materials are all around us and essential to daily life. But today, we often have little awareness of where they come from. When it comes to plastics, it’s shocking to realise that every piece created, still exists - it’s not going anywhere.
It lingers in different forms, from visible trash to microscopic particles now found in our bloodstream, the fish we eat, and even the dust near our roads.”
Renuka Ramanjuman, founder of HUID, tells us.
“I knew there had to be a better way to create packaging- something everyone needs and uses. So I started thinking about what we currently discard that could be repurposed.”
A Natural Solution
Determined to create a sustainable substitute, Renuka founded HUID and began to develop and transform onion skins into a single-use plastic alternative for food packaging.
“We've developed two types of materials: one with a paper-like texture and another, still in progress, that is a flexible film, capable of taking shape.”
Renuka ensures that HUID thinks on both a macro and micro scale. Addressing the micro daily consumption of single-use plastics and public attitudes toward them will help combat the pollutant's larger-scale impact.
“Our mission goes beyond just creating sustainable packaging. We aim to build a holistic, circular business model supporting agricultural communities—our food system's backbone.
By using not just the fibres from onion skins but also their bioactive molecules, which have antibacterial and antioxidant properties, we're bringing added functionality to our materials.
Plastic consumption is an issue that affects us all, even at the micro-scale. It’s crucial to rethink how we produce and dispose of materials.”
Facilities = Facilitation
Having the idea for a product is only half the journey. Solo founders and entrepreneurs can find it challenging to find the time, space, and equipment to make their dreams a reality. Access is limited, and the right machinery can be challenging to find.
“After struggling to find suitable facilities elsewhere, discovering a place with all the machinery I needed in one location was a game-changer.”
Renuka was first introduced to Plus X Innovation by a friend, and after seeing the facilities, she chose to make it a home for HUID. She develops her product directly in the workshop, using things like the Tensile machine and FormLabs 3D printer, plus expert guidance from our in-house workshop team and other members of the community: “I’ll admit, I leave operating the printer to Charles!”
“Working with Plus X Innovation has been an incredible boost for my business. Accessing high-quality prototyping equipment has allowed me to refine my materials and bring them to life in a way that makes the vision clear to others.”
And, just in case you’re not usually an onion fan, Renuka shares, “People always ask if the material smells like onions. The answer is no - it doesn’t smell like anything. And yes, I’ve even tasted it! It’s completely edible, though I wouldn’t recommend it!”
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