A revolution in waste management with bioplastic using onion skin
M. Saravanakumar S Swasthik Venkatesh P. D .Pavithra
Dr. R. Krishnakumar Dr. K. Balamurugan
Mentor Team Lead
Waste management is one of the most pressing issues confronting our planet today. With increasing waste generation and decreasing landfills, finding innovative methods to manage waste disposal in an eco-friendly manner is crucial. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Government of India, recognizes this issue and has taken the initiative to find solutions through its Grand Onion Challenge Hackathon. One of the projects that stood out in this hackathon (vertical 4) was the "Bioplastic using Onion Skin" project, led by Dr. R. Krishnakumar, AP (Sel. Gr). and mentored by Dr. K. Balamurugan, AP (Sel. Gr). The project aims to address the problem of valorization - the value addition and utilization of unconsumed or excess onions. The team has developed a proof of concept for bioplastic production using onion skin, which can be used as an alternative to traditional plastic in various applications.
Bioplastics are biodegradable and compostable, making them a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional plastic. They are made from natural resources such as cornstarch and sugarcane. The project turns onion skins, a commonly wasted material, into bioplastic, addressing waste management and the need for alternative plastics. With a total development cost of Rs.75,000, developing this bioplastic using onion skin was a cost-effective and innovative solution. P D Pavithra, S Swasthik Venkatesh, and M. Saravanakumar from III EEE worked together to successfully demonstrate the viability of this concept and its potential for practical application. Owing to the uniqueness and practicality of this project, they have been selected for the next round of the National-level Hackathon, where the winner will receive prize money of Rs.25,000.
This project serves as an inspiration for others to find creative solutions to the waste management problem and demonstrates the positive impact that small ideas can have on the environment. The bioplastic made from onion skin has the potential to change the way we manage waste and reduce our carbon footprint, making the world a better place for future generations. Bioplastic production using onion skin not only adds value to the excess and unconsumed onion but also helps reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste. In addition, the biodegradable nature of bioplastic ensures that it does not pose a threat to the environment, unlike traditional plastic.
In conclusion, the "Bioplastic using Onion Skin" project is a testament to the power of innovative thinking and the ability of young minds to tackle the world's biggest problems, including sustainable and eco-friendly product development. Utilizing waste materials helps to lessen their negative effects on the environment while also giving them value. We hope this project will pave the way for more initiatives in the future to help create a cleaner and greener world for us all.
-MOHAN KRISHNA.G.R
I M.TECH CSE