Nagpur youth harness orange waste for green innovation

Shakoor, a craftsman working on the project, said, “This is very good work because it involves different types of tasks. We work on both men’s and women’s clothing, and it helps us earn a stable income.”

Beyond fashion, another young entrepreneur, Kunal, is using orange peels to develop chemical-free cleaning products. His startup follows a zero-waste model, where customers return empty bottles for refills, reducing plastic waste significantly.

Kunal explained the process, saying, “Bio-enzyme production involves a fermentation process of about 90 days. We collect fruit peels from juice vendors across the city and ferment them. The result is a bio-enzyme that can be used in a variety of products.”

Consumers are also embracing these eco-friendly alternatives. Dhanshree, a user of such products, said, “I use these products regularly. They have a pleasant fragrance and are safe for the body since they are made from orange peels.”