What started as a simple home experiment with citrus waste has turned into the brand Urthy, which now helps over 200 consumers make more eco-friendly daily choices.
Large amounts of lemon and orange peels are thrown away daily in homes and juice shops. However, two mothers from Mumbai asked themselves: what if this kitchen waste could be transformed into something useful?
In 2019, Sonia Verma and Farheen Ali met through a community focused on home tutoring. Both women were already making bioenzymes at home, striving to find more sustainable ways of life.
Soon they realized that their experiments could become more than just a home solution. They began to explore whether bioenzymes could offer a cleaner and more sustainable solution compared to conventional products.
In 2022, the pair decided to take this step. Their first two fermentation drums were placed on Farheen's terrace in Mumbai, filled with citrus peels, cane sugar, and water.
The mixture is left to ferment for about three months. During this process, yeast, beneficial bacteria, and enzymes develop, creating a liquid capable of helping break down organic waste.
Instead of sending citrus peels to landfills, Urthy began purchasing them from local juice vendors. Now, the waste is turned into the basis for their cleaning products.
Bioenzymes do not just clean surfaces. After being poured down the drain, their enzymes continue to break down organic substances such as fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.
What started with small batches of 50 liters has now expanded to over 40 fermentation units. Urthy has also grown into a range of natural daily-use cleaning products.
Over four years, Urthy has prevented more than 1500 kg of citrus waste from going to landfills and has formed a community of over 200 consumers who use its toxin-free cleaning products.
According to the founders, the activated citrus bioenzyme is capable of reducing COD and BOD by 30–50 mg/liter, increasing soil microorganism activity by up to 30%, and preventing methane emission during the decomposition of citrus waste.
Ruchi from Bhubaneswar uses Urthy's laundry detergent, hand soap, and all-purpose cleaners. For her, knowing that less aggressive chemicals are entering the soil and water brings 'peace of mind.'
Today, Urthy offers 15 products for home care, personal hygiene, and plants, and also consults commercial premises. For Sonia and Farheen, the changes are still beginning with one daily choice.