Sustainable valorization of onion (Allium cepa L) skin as a resource for value-added products: A comprehensive review

Publication Type

Journal Article

Name of Author

• Sampson Kofi Kyei, Department of Chemical Engineering, Kumasi Technical University, Kumasi, Ghana
• William Iheanyi Eke, Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
• Alex Justice Frimpong, Department of Automotive and Agricultural Mechanization Engineering, Kumasi Technical University, Kumasi, Ghana
• Robert Dery Nagre, Department of Oil and Gas Engineering, Kumasi Technical University, Kumasi, Ghana
• Emmanuel Akaranta, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Publication Date (Issue Year)

2025

Journal Name

Sustainable Chemistry and Pharmacy

Abstract

The valorization of industrial waste through sustainable methods aimed at converting it into higher-value products has garnered significant attention owing to increasing issues related to climate change and the exhaustion of non-renewable resources. This review addresses the utilization of onion skin waste to produce valuable goods, promoting a circular economy and eco-friendly resource utilization. It aims to appraise the possible uses of several different extraction methods for obtaining bioactive chemicals out of onion skin waste and evaluates their efficiencies to highlight their potential as industrial raw materials for sustainable development. Moreover, this review examines a multidisciplinary method for valorizing onion skin as a possible resource for various industrial applications and other therapeutic applications linked to their anticancer, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and neuroprotective activities. This approach encourages the recycling and reuse of biomass while delivering a substitute for traditional extraction methods, thereby supporting the broader goals of sustainable chemistry. The review will advance studies on onion skin waste and improve industrial applications.

Keywords

valorization of onion (Allium cepa L) skin, resource for value-added products

Grantee Name(s)

Onyewuchi Emmanuel Akaranta

Project Title

Developing Orange Mesocarp and Red Onion Skin into Multifunctional Materials for Oilfield Applications

Type of Grant

Research Award

Thematic Area

Energy including Renewables

Funding Statement

This work was carried out with the financial support of icipe-World Bank Financing Agreement No D347-3A and World Bank-Korea Trust Fund Agreement No TF0A8639 for the PASET Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund.

Recommended Citation

Kyei, S. K., Eke, W. I., Frimpong, A. J., Nagre, R. D., & Akaranta, E. (2025). Sustainable valorization of onion (Allium cepa L) skin as a resource for value-added products: A comprehensive review. Sustainable Chemistry and Pharmacy https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scp.2025.101942