In a major stride toward sustainable packaging, researchers at IIT Madras have developed an innovative biodegradable material using agricultural and paper waste, offering a powerful alternative to conventional plastic foams. This breakthrough could help India tackle two pressing environmental challenges: plastic pollution and agri-residue burning.
The team cultivated fungi like Ganoderma lucidum and Pleurotus ostreatus types of mushrooms on discarded farm waste to grow mycelium-based biocomposites. These naturally grown materials are sturdy enough to be used for packaging and fully compostable, reducing dependency on non-degradable materials like EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) and EPE (Expanded Polyethylene).
Lead researcher Dr. Lakshminath Kundanati, along with scholars Sandra Rose Biby and Vivek Surendran, published their findings in Bioresource Technology Reports in June 2025. Dr. Kundanati highlighted that India generates over 350 million tonnes of agricultural waste annually, much of which is burned, contributing to air pollution. At the same time, plastic waste exceeds 4 million tonnes each year, much of it ending up in landfills or waterways.
“This innovation addresses both problems by converting agri-residue into packaging materials that are durable, lightweight, and environmentally safe,” Dr. Kundanati said.
The research has already led to the creation of a start-up called NatureWrks Technologies, which will commercialize the product, pursue technology partnerships, and work toward scaling up production. The team also aims to secure government funding to accelerate development and bring this sustainable solution to the market at scale.
Impact Beyond Packaging
Beyond reducing plastic usage, the technology has the potential to benefit rural economies. By creating demand for agricultural by-products, it could generate new income streams for farmers and promote local employment in biodegradable material production. Moreover, replacing plastic foams with mycelium composites can cut greenhouse gas emissions, prevent microplastic pollution, and reduce landfill stress.
“This is a circular economy solution,” said researcher Smruti Bhat. “We’re turning waste into a resource, creating compostable packaging that decomposes naturally, leaving no harmful residues behind.”
Experts believe this innovation could revolutionize the packaging industry in India and abroad, making it greener, cleaner, and more resilient.