IIT Madras Unveils Eco-Friendly Packaging from Farm Waste to Replace Plastic Foams
- IIT Madras developed biodegradable packaging using fungi grown on agricultural and paper waste.
- Mycelium-based material outperforms traditional plastic foams like EPS and EPE in strength.
- Tackles both plastic pollution and agri-waste disposal while supporting circular economy goals.
In a groundbreaking step toward sustainable packaging, researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras have developed biodegradable packaging material derived from agricultural waste, offering a promising alternative to conventional plastic foams like EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) and EPE (Expanded Polyethylene).
Published in the peer-reviewed Bioresource Technology Reports, the research showcases how mycelium-based biocomposites grown from fungi on agricultural and paper waste can match or surpass the strength and quality of traditional plastic packaging, while being fully compostable.
The team cultivated fungi species such as Ganoderma lucidum and Pleurotus ostreatus on substrates including cardboard, sawdust, cocopith, paper, and hay. This innovative approach not only diverts agricultural residues from open burning a major contributor to air pollution but also aligns with circular economy principles.
“In India, over 350 million tonnes of agricultural waste are produced annually, much of which is burned or left to decay. Our goal was to address both plastic waste and agricultural residue by developing sustainable packaging”, said Dr. Lakshminath Kundanati, Assistant Professor at IIT Madras.
One key finding showed that Ganoderma grown on cardboard achieved compressive strengths significantly higher than EPS, positioning it as a viable substitute in the packaging industry. “The ideal fungus-substrate combinations outperform traditional foams, offering an eco-friendly and high-performance solution”, added Sandra Rose Biby, a research scholar involved in the project.
India generates over 4 million tonnes of plastic waste annually. This innovation offers a practical path to reduce landfill load, microplastic formation, and greenhouse gas emissions from plastic production and incineration.
Beyond packaging, researchers believe mycelium-based composites can be adapted for other engineering applications, including thermal and acoustic insulation paving the way for a greener future.
