IISC’S BIODEGRADABLE FOAM: TRANSFORMING PACKAGING FOR SUSTAINABILITY

Why in the news?

IISc’s new biodegradable foam offers an eco-friendly alternative to plastic packaging, addressing environmental concerns and revolutionising the packaging industry with its recyclable, non-toxic properties.

source:deccanherald

Introduction to a Biodegradable Innovation:

  • Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have developed a biodegradable foam aimed at replacing conventional plastic packaging in the FMCG sector.
  • Made from FDA-approved non-edible oils and hardeners derived from tea leaves, the foam provides a sustainable alternative to harmful materials like expanded polystyrene (EPS) and polyurethane foams.
  • This eco-friendly foam safely disintegrates within three hours in eco-friendly solvents at 80°C, posing no risk of groundwater contamination.

Unique Properties for Enhanced Recyclability

  • The foam’s dynamic covalent bonds in its molecular structure allow it to break and reform under external stimuli.
  • These bonds enable the material to be reprocessed or dissolved without compromising structural strength, making it recyclable.
  • With this feature, IISc’s foam addresses one of the largest issues in plastic waste recycling by providing a viable reprocessing solution

Impact on Industry and Environment

  • The biodegradable foam holds significant potential in the Indian foam market, currently valued at $7.9 billion and projected to reach $11.1 billion by 2032.
  • Given that less than 1% of the 3 million tonnes of foam produced globally is recycled, this innovation could greatly reduce landfill waste.
  • This sustainable material supports global environmental goals, giving industries a path toward reducing plastic waste and fostering environmental responsibility in packaging practices.