IIT Madras develops agriculture waste-based packaging materials

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras demonstrated that mycelium-based biocomposites, grown on agricultural and paper waste, can provide quality biodegradable packaging.

Annually, India produces more than four-million tonnes of plastic waste and 350-million tonnes of agricultural waste. By converting agricultural waste into durable and biodegradable packaging material, the research offers a practical solution to two major problems: plastic pollution and agricultural waste disposal. 

The researchers investigated a new waste-to-value technique by growing fungi such as Ganoderma lucidum and Pleurotus ostreatus — two distinct species of mushrooms — on agricultural and paper wastes. This strategy diverts agricultural leftovers from open burning and produces biodegradable packaging alternatives, consistent with the circular economy.

Furthermore, the study explored the best combinations of fungal strains and substrates for producing composites with mechanical qualities and fine-tuning the characteristics of traditional plastic foams. 

Co-founded by lead researcher and faculty at IIT-Madras, Dr. Lakshminath Kundanati, researchers at the institute have established a start-up called NatureWrks Technologies. The researchers aim to receive government funding schemes to accelerate development and ensure that the research has a tangible societal impact.

Dr. Kundanati, assistant professor, department of applied mechanics and biomedical engineering, IIT Madras, said, “Currently, the research has demonstrated feasibility at the laboratory scale, with mechanical properties, water resistance, and biodegradability. The way forward includes optimising substrate compositions for scalability, extending shelf life through natural coatings.” 

He added, “By bringing this solution to market, the research aims to create affordable, eco-friendly packaging options that can replace harmful plastics, benefiting society through improved environmental health and economic opportunities.”

Dr. Kundanati added that work is being carried out by doctoral student Smruti Bhat to modify composites that can cater to other engineering applications, such as thermal and acoustic insulation materials.

Sandra Rose Biby, research scholar at IIT Madras, said, “We provided comprehensive comparisons of mycelium biocomposites using two fungal strains across five lignocellulosic substrates—cardboard, sawdust, paper, cocopith, and hay.” She added, “This study systematically explores how different substrates influence mycelial growth density, hyphal microstructure, compressive strength, water absorption, and biodegradability.”

Biby noted, “The work identifies the ideal substrate–fungus combinations that outperform conventional foams like expandable polystyrene (EPS) and expanded polyethylene (EPE), with Ganoderma on cardboard achieving compressive strengths an order of magnitude higher than EPS.”

In addition, Vivek Surendran, research scholar, IIT Madras, said, “Our approach aligns with circular economy principles by converting low-value agricultural and paper wastes into high-value biodegradable packaging, while maintaining mechanical properties comparable or superior to petroleum-derived foams.” He added, “These unique features position this research at the forefront of sustainable packaging innovation, offering practical, scalable solutions with both environmental and economic benefits.”

Replacing plastic foams such as expandable polystyrene (EPS) and expanded polyethylene (EPE) with mycelium-based biocomposites can reduce landfill load, avoid microplastic development, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions caused by plastic manufacture and waste incineration.  

In addition, the technique encourages rural development by increasing demand for agricultural byproducts, which may generate new revenue streams for farmers and rural communities. 

The findings were published in June 2025 in Bioresource Technology Reports — the research paper was co-authored by research scholars: Sandra Rose Biby, Vivek Surendran, and Dr. Lakshminath Kundanati from IIT Madras. 

The research was funded by the NFIG (New Faculty Initiation Grant) of IIT Madras and the Ministry of Education, Government of India.