Roorkee : The Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee) continues to pioneer sustainable innovations to tackle some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. In a significant breakthrough, researchers at the INNOPAP Lab (Innovations in Paper and Packaging), in collaboration with Parason Machinery India Pvt. Ltd., Aurangabad, have successfully developed eco-friendly tableware made from wheat straw — an agricultural residue often burned after harvest.

This pathbreaking technology addresses two critical environmental issues simultaneously — crop residue burning, a leading cause of air pollution in India, and the growing menace of single-use plastic waste, which pollutes landfills and oceans for decades.

By converting wheat straw into molded, biodegradable, and compostable tableware, the team has created a durable, heat-resistant, and food-safe alternative to conventional plastic. These products embody the concept of “Mitti se Mitti Tak” – returning to the soil after serving human needs, leaving behind no environmental footprint.

Prof. Vibhore K. Rastogi, Department of Paper Technology and lead investigator of the project, said, “This research demonstrates how everyday agricultural residues can be converted into high-quality, eco-friendly products. It reflects the transformative power of science and engineering in providing solutions that are both environmentally sustainable and economically viable.”

India produces over 350 million tonnes of agricultural waste annually, much of which is either burnt or left to decay, harming both air quality and the environment. This innovation offers a practical, circular economy solution by turning waste into wealth, reducing pollution while providing an additional income stream for farmers.

This initiative is fully aligned with India’s commitments to the Swachh Bharat Mission, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — particularly SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Speaking on the development, Prof. Kamal Kishore Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee, said, “This innovation reflects IIT Roorkee’s dedication to addressing challenges that directly impact society. By providing an eco-friendly alternative to single-use plastics and enhancing farmers’ livelihoods, this research supports national missions like Swachh Bharat, Make in India, and sustainability goals. It is an outstanding example of how science can bridge the gap between laboratory research and real-world impact.”

The project also underscores the contributions of young researchers in shaping a sustainable future. Ms. Jasmine Kaur (PhD scholar) and Dr. Rahul Ranjan (Post-Doctoral Researcher) played key roles in developing the molded tableware, demonstrating how emerging talent can drive solutions for tomorrow’s environmental and economic challenges.

This joint project is undertaken in collaboration with German academic partners from Dresden University of Technology (TUD) - Mr. René Kleinert, Dr.-Ing. Roland Zelm, Ms. Lina Staffa, and Dr.-Ing. Roman Maletz — along with the industrial partner, Bionatic GmbH & Co. KG, represented by Mr. Frederik Feuerhahn. The project is funded by the Indo-German Science & Technology Centre (IGSTC 2+2) under the thematic area Waste to Wealth and Sustainable Packaging.

Through this innovation, IIT Roorkee exemplifies how research can effectively address environmental, economic, and social dimensions together — paving the way for a cleaner, greener, and more self-reliant India.

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