Amazon and IIT Roorkee explore recyclable packaging from agricultural waste

Amazon India has teamed up with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee’s Department of Paper and Packaging Technology to convert agricultural waste into recyclable paper packaging for mailers and other applications.

The project, a 15-month lab-to-industrial-trial collaboration, seeks to transform crop residues such as wheat straw and bagasse — typically burned or discarded — into high-quality pulp for packaging materials.

According to the press release, the initiative not only offers a recyclable alternative to conventional wood pulp or plastic packaging but also helps mitigate air pollution from stubble burning, a significant environmental concern in India. By creating a market for agricultural waste, the project could provide additional income streams for farmers while reducing pressure on virgin wood resources.

“At Amazon, we are building and managing India’s fastest, safest, and most reliable operations network, and we’re committed to making it more sustainable. As part of this effort, we’re partnering with IIT Roorkee to develop innovative packaging from crop residue," says Abhinav Singh, vice president of operations at Amazon India.

He adds, “India generates nearly 500-million tons of this waste annually, and by repurposing it into packaging, we can support a more circular economy while reducing reliance on conventional materials."

Amazon India has already eliminated single-use plastic from its packaging across its fulfilment centres and continues to innovate with sustainable materials under The Climate Pledge. The collaboration with IIT Roorkee could see industrial trials and commercialisation by late 2026 if performance targets are met.