ZestAroma Project: Harnessing the Power of Citrus Peels for Essential Oils and Charcoal Tablets

In a remarkable display of innovation, five talented students from the Faculty of Business Management and the Faculty of Chemical Technology, Hanoi University of Industry have joined forces to create the ZestAroma project. This groundbreaking initiative involves the extraction of essential oils and the production of compressed charcoal pellets from orange and grapefruit peels.

ZestAroma Project: Harnessing the Power of Citrus Peels for Essential Oils and Charcoal Tablets

The project has not only showcased the students' ingenuity but has also secured a place among the top 50 out of 500 projects in the 6th "Students with Start-up Ideas" competition.

The dynamic team behind the ZestAroma project comprises Nguyen Tu Anh, Hoang Hieu Ngan, Nguyen Duong Thuy Linh, Duong Thuy Trang from the Faculty of Business Management, and Le Thi Phuong from the Faculty of Chemical Technology. Their collaboration has resulted in a multifaceted venture that combines elements of chemistry, technology, and business management.

The dynamic team behind the ZestAroma project

ZestAroma focuses on harnessing the untapped potential of citrus peels, specifically orange and grapefruit peels, to extract essential oils and produce compressed charcoal pellets. The process involves a meticulous extraction technique that not only brings out the aromatic oils but also utilizes the remaining biomass to create charcoal tablets.

The ZestAroma project has earned its place among the top 50 projects in the "Students with Start-up Ideas" competition. This recognition highlights the project's exceptional merit and the innovative approach the team has taken to address both environmental and economic aspects.

Dr. Nguyen Minh Viet, a lecturer at the Faculty of Chemical Technology, and Dr. Do Thi Ngoc Lan, a lecturer at the Faculty of Business Management, have lauded the ZestAroma project for its educational significance. They emphasized that the competition serves as an intellectual playground, encouraging students to develop creative thinking, independent work skills, teamwork, and the ability to self-study and conduct research.

Dr. Nguyen Minh Viet - Lecturer of the Faculty of Chemical Technology is discussing the project with the research group

The instructors noted that the project provides students with practical experience in synthesizing and applying their basic knowledge of chemistry. Additionally, the ZestAroma team gained insights into building production processes, evaluating product quality, and understanding business and market dynamics. This comprehensive approach equips students with a valuable toolset that will serve them well in their future careers.

The ZestAroma project stands as a testament to the ingenuity and collaborative spirit of students at HaUI. By transforming orange and grapefruit peels into essential oils and charcoal tablets, the team has not only excelled in a prestigious competition but has also demonstrated the practical application of knowledge gained through their academic pursuits. ZestAroma serves as an inspiration for future students, encouraging them to explore innovative solutions that contribute to both environmental sustainability and entrepreneurial success.