IIT Madras Develops Biodegradable Packaging from Agricultural Waste to Combat Plastic Pollution.

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras have developed a groundbreaking, eco-friendly packaging material that offers a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics. The new material, created from agricultural and paper waste, could significantly reduce plastic pollution.

The innovative biocomposite is made from mycelium, the root-like structure of fungi, grown on a base of farm and paper waste. This process transforms what would otherwise be discarded materials into a sturdy, biodegradable product. Researchers demonstrated that the mycelium-based packaging provides the same quality and protection as conventional plastic foams, but with the added benefit of being completely compostable.

The findings from the study have been published in the respected academic journal, Bioresource Technology Reports, and represent a major step forward in the quest for sustainable packaging solutions. This development offers a promising path for industries to reduce their environmental impact by replacing plastic foams with a natural, waste-based material.