The Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT-M) is establishing a Centre of Biodegradable Packaging to develop cost-effective and scalable alternatives to traditional plastics. The centre is supported by the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers, Government of India. The goal is to create sustainable packaging solutions that are as eco-friendly as a fruit – biodegradable and microplastic-free. The centre is focusing on the development of third-generation bioplastics that use microorganisms to produce biodegradable plastics from biomass, eliminating concerns over food security and environmental impact. The team is working on bioplastics made from agricultural residues or algae, which break down completely without leaving harmful particles behind. The centre is also exploring the use of bioplastics in medical textiles, such as wound dressings and surgical implants. The interdisciplinary team of researchers from various backgrounds is working towards making bioplastics a viable and cost-effective solution for food and medical applications. With the successful development of bioplastics, the centre aims to reduce the environmental footprint of packaging and mitigate the effects of plastics and microplastics on human health.
Indian Institute of Technology, Madras sets up a research centre to create biodegradable plastics with zero waste potential.
