Amazon India and IIT-Roorkee: Pioneering Sustainable Packaging from Agricultural Waste

Amazon India has announced a groundbreaking partnership with IIT-Roorkee to explore sustainable packaging solutions using agricultural waste. This initiative focuses on developing non-wood paper technology that can minimize both environmental impact and the industry's reliance on virgin wood pulp.

The ambitious project aims to convert crop residues, including wheat straw and bagasse, into high-quality, recyclable packaging materials that rivals traditional wood pulp paper. These new materials seek to provide environmentally-friendly alternatives to conventional options like plastic bags, with potential benefits extending to reducing stubble burning and supporting farmers financially.

Initial research and development will take place over the next 15 months, with successful lab tests paving the way for industrial trials and commercial production by next year. Amazon India's collaboration with IIT-Roorkee's Department of Paper and Packaging Technology signifies a promising stride towards sustainable packaging practices in India.