Onion (Allium cepa L.) skin waste for industrial applications: A sustainable strategy for value addition and circular economy

Publication Type

Journal Article

Publication Date (Issue Year)

2025

Journal Name

Bioresource Technology Reports

Abstract

Bioactive compounds from onion skin waste may be used as raw materials in sustainable industrial development. This review synthesizes and critically analyses current research to find gaps and highlight novel onion skin valorization methods not covered extensively in previous studies. After introducing onion skin waste, the review ties onion skin waste valorization to circular bioeconomy, conventional and green extraction, and applications. The advanced green extraction methods are emphasised for their improved phenolic component selectivity from onion peel waste. The biological properties of onion skin extracts are explored for their therapeutic use. Onion skin waste's applications discussed include agriculture, textiles, biofuels, and other industries to promote sustainable development. Additionally, the challenges and recommendations for future research directions on the valorization of onion skin waste are explored. The findings suggest using onion skin waste to make valuable products and promote a circular, sustainable economy based on waste management.

Keywords

Onion (Allium cepa L.) skin waste, industrial applications, sustainable strategy, value addition, circular economy

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.

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