Archive · 6 Aug 2025
IIT Madras Develops Agri-Waste Packaging to Reduce Plastic
Scientists at IIT Madras have made a new packaging material.
It's made from leftovers from farming and paper, like cardboard and sawdust.
They grow a type of fungus on this waste, which creates a strong material similar to plastic packaging.
This new material is biodegradable, which means it breaks down naturally.
It's a good way to reduce plastic waste and use up agricultural waste that often gets burned.
It's also stronger than some common plastic foams.
IIT Madras researchers created agri-waste-based packaging.
Mycelium-based biocomposites are used, a sustainable alternative to plastic.
Research published in Bioresource Technology Reports.
Packaging is biodegradable and addresses plastic pollution and waste.
Fungi like Ganoderma lucidum and Pleurotus ostreatus are used.
- Who
- Researchers from IIT Madras.
- What
- Development of agri-waste-based packaging material.
- When
- Findings published in the journal Bioresource Technology Reports.
- Where
- Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras.
- Why
- To reduce plastic use, address agricultural waste, and create sustainable packaging.
- Institution
- IIT Madras
- Material type
- Mycelium-based biocomposites
- Waste Used
- Agricultural and paper waste
- Fungi used
- Ganoderma lucidum, Pleurotus ostreatus
- Benefit
- Biodegradable