In Collaboration with Aryan Gupta
O-Range
O-Range is a range of materials crafted from discarded orange peels, transforming waste into value. Each year, the world produces over 60 million tons of oranges, generating 32 million tons of peel waste. Within these remnants lies an inherent warmth—rich color, tactile texture, and naturally formed patterns. O-Range exists to uncover and celebrate this overlooked beauty.
Through controlled dehydration and bioplastic preservation, the peels gain structure, longevity, and a uniquely organic texture. The orange peels provide strength to the bioplastic. Dehydrated orange peel provides structure to it.
Skills
Prototyping, Sketching, 3D printing, CAD, Woodworking, Biomaterials
Exhibited in: BioPossibilities 2026**
Biomaterial Exploration
We began by testing a range of biomaterial recipes to investigate how to turn waste into resources, as I was very interested in designing for a circular economy where nothing goes to waste. We adjusted ingredient ratios to see how the material would react, and experimented with lots of different bases.
Our initial orange‑peel trials produced persistent curling, and the material would not lie flat. At this stage, we believed orange peels might be unworkable for our biomaterial. Following our professor’s suggestion to test varied dehydration rates, we completed weeks of iterative testing.
Early experiments with sunflower seeds highlighted the importance of controlled dehydration, as moisture retention resulted in mold. As we continued to experiment using food waste for biomaterials, we chose to try out orange peels. We noticed the unique way light passes through the peel, producing visual effects similar to lava, and decided to pursue this promising effect further.
Through experimentation, we landed on a successful biomaterial recipe that:
1. Kept the orange peel flat
2. Held the orange peels securely in place
3. Preserved orange peel transparency
Captivated by the way light passes through the orange-peel biomaterial, we turned to lamp design to amplify the glow. We explored a range of sketches based on lighting concepts and ultimately chose a form that prioritizes and elevates the orange‑peel's natural properties.
Sketches
Final Design
Once we settled on our final lamp design, we modelled the final design within CAD. This digital file was then used to 3D‑print physical molds for forming our bioplastic.
Process images:
The biomaterials were created inside the molds and subsequently glued together.
We selected wood to complement our biomaterial, as it is also a naturally sourced, biodegradable material. The upper component was fabricated using bent‑lamination techniques, formed against a custom mold. The base was cut at an angle on a bandsaw
