Description The valorisation of organic waste streams for material alternatives to plastic is becoming crucial to tackle the climate crisis. The Advanced Materials Research Laboratory (AMRL) are exploring the potential for onion skins – a scalable, untapped waste material – to replace single-use plastic in food packaging. With onion skin’s antibacterial properties and store of antioxidants that can extend the shelf life of perishables, our research looks at how food can protect food. Onion skins and associated waste (stalks etc.)is a largely untapped waste stream that has major potential in various sectors of industry. It also creates a huge economic loss for onion growers and packers in the supply chain with the associated costs of industrial waste disposal. Their high cellulose content makes them an interesting prospect for a surface and/or molded fibre products. Initial processing has been tested that draws some correlations, eg. The more highly concentrated the chemical treatment, the ‘purer’ the output, and results in more strongly bonded fibres. This also means the material has shrunk as more of it has been ‘burnt’ away. Through all sampling, shrinkage has been a consistent issue. The degrees of shrinkage vary but this will occur in some form regardless across this process. Key Objectives • Using compression moulding principles, create a 3D design that accounts for various percentages of shrinkage. • Consider various mould materials and surfaces in the process and assess viability (financially, aesthetically, sustainability-wise) of the various options. • Assess the properties of the newly designed mould and those of the onion skin product made from it.