Fungi-Derived Packaging Innovations

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras have developed an eco-friendly packaging material made from agricultural and paper waste, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional plastic packaging. By cultivating fungi such as Ganoderma lucidum and Pleurotus ostreatus on substrates like sawdust, cardboard, and hay, the team has produced a durable, lightweight, and compostable material.

Designed to replace commonly used plastic foams such as EPS and EPE, the innovation addresses two major environmental challenges in India: plastic pollution and agricultural waste. Notably, the IIT Madras researchers have created a startup called NatureWrks Technologies to scale and commercialize the novel solution. The project demonstrates IIT Madras’ profound commitment to advancing circular economy solutions that support both environmental sustainability and scalable industrial application.

Image Credit: