Page 68 - Plastic News Issue August 2025
P. 68
PRODUCT NEWS
Iit Madras Researchers Develop Agri-Waste-Based
Packaging Materials To Eliminate Plastic Use
issues: plastic pollution and the disposal of agri-
cultural waste.
The researchers cultivated fungi such as Gano-
derma lucidum and Pleurotusostreatus, which
are different types of mushrooms, on agricultur-
al and paper wastes. They investigated optimal
combinations of fungal strains and substrates to
produce composites with mechanical properties
and tune in the features of conventional plastic
esearchers have demonstrated that my- foams.
celium-based biocomposites, grown on
Ragricultural and paper waste, provide By converting agricultural residues into high-
high-quality packaging that is also biodegrad- strength biodegradable packaging materials,
able. this research contributes to reducing plastic
waste generated in India, which currently ex-
CHENNAI: In a major breakthrough, researchers ceeds 4 million tonnes annually, while also utiliz-
at the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT ing the 350 million tonnes of agricultural waste
Madras) have developed a packaging material produced each year.
from agricultural waste, presenting a sustainable
alternative to traditional plastic foams used in The researchers have established a start-up
packaging. called NatureWrks Technologies, co-founded by
Lead Researcher Dr.Lakshminath Kundanati, a
The technology will provide a solution to dispose faculty member at IIT Madras.
of agricultural residues from open burning and
a compostable packaging option. The research This start-up focuses on developing and com-
was funded by the central government and the mercializing innovative products, pursuing tech-
New Faculty Initiation Grant of IIT Madras. nology transfer in collaboration with industry
partners, and exploring licensing agreements to
Researchers have demonstrated that mycelium- facilitate broader adoption of these solutions.
based biocomposites, grown on agricultural and Additionally, the researchers aim to secure gov-
paper waste, provide high-quality packaging ernment funding to accelerate development and
that is also biodegradable. This innovation has ensure that this research has a tangible, positive
the potential to significantly impact both society impact on society.
and the environment by addressing two major
The findings were published in June 2025 in
68 PLASTICS NEWS August 2025
