Chemicals from citrus peel may help in cosmetics manufacturing: Research

UK-based scientists have developed a sustainable technique to extract chemicals from the peels of the citrus fruit that could help in cosmetics manufacturing, according to a research project.

The research project, named Orange Peel Exploitation Company (OPEC), in partnership with researchers from the University of York, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil, and the University of Cordoba, Spain was presented at the 16th annual Green Chemistry & engineering Conference sponsored by the American Chemical Society’s Green Chemistry Institute (ACS GCI).

Scientists involved in the research said the extraction method will utilise every bit of the 15.6 million tonnes of orange and other citrus peel discarded globally every year to use in biosolvents, fragrances and water purification.

Under the process, orange peels exposed to high-intensity microwaves at low temperatures liquefy many components of the orange peel that can be later collected, and useful products can be obtained from it.

The remaining cellulose can be used as a food additive or a thickening agent or can be converted into a solid biofuel.

University of York Green Chemistry centre of excellence director James Clark said biorefinery concept combined with green chemistry principles will allow the making of a whole series of products that can take place of traditional, often petrochemical-based, manufacturing processes.

"We’re aiming to create a zero-waste biorefinery," Clark said.

"We want to use everything. We want to give value to every component of the peel," added Clark.