From Soil to Soil (Mitti se Mitti Tak) - IIT Roorkee’s Innovation in Eco-Friendly Tableware from Wheat Straw

Roorkee, Uttarakhand, October 04, 2025: IIT Roorkee continues to pioneer sustainable solutions for some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. In a breakthrough development, researchers at the INNOPAP Lab (Innovations in Paper and Packaging), in collaboration with Parason Machinery India Pvt. Ltd., Aurangabad, have successfully developed eco-friendly tableware made from wheat straw, an agricultural residue often burned after harvest.

This innovative technology tackles two pressing challenges at once: the widespread practice of crop-waste burning, a major source of air pollution in India, and the growing problem of single-use plastic waste, which lingers in landfills and oceans for centuries.

By converting wheat straw into molded, biodegradable tableware, the team has created a safe, compostable, and sustainable alternative to plastics. Durable, heat-resistant, and food-safe, these products embody the philosophy of “Mitti se Mitti Tak” originating from the earth, serving people, and returning to the soil without causing harm.

“This research shows how everyday crop residues can be transformed into high-quality, eco-friendly products. It demonstrates the potential of science and engineering to deliver solutions that are both environmentally sound and economically viable,” said Prof. Vibhore K. Rastogi, Department of Paper Technology, who leads the project.

Every year, India produces more than 350 million tonnes of agricultural waste. A large proportion of this is either burned, worsening air quality and contributing to climate change, or left to decay. By innovatively using wheat straw, this research not only reduces environmental harm but also provides farmers with an additional source of income, creating a circular economy model that turns waste into wealth.

This initiative directly aligns with India’s commitment to Swachh Bharat Mission, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Talking about the research Prof. Kamal Kishore Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee, said, “This innovation reflects IIT Roorkee’s commitment to addressing challenges that matter most to society. By providing an eco-friendly alternative to single-use plastics, while also enhancing the livelihoods of farmers, this initiative demonstrates how research can directly support national missions like Swachh Bharat, Make in India, and achieving sustainability goals. It is an excellent example of how science and innovation can bridge the gap between the laboratory and real-world impact”

The project also highlights the contributions of young researchers in shaping a sustainable future. Jasmine Kaur (PhD student) and Dr. Rahul Ranjan (post-doctoral researcher) played a significant role in developing the molded tableware, underlining the importance of nurturing new talent in building solutions for tomorrow.

Through this innovation, IIT Roorkee demonstrates how research can simultaneously address environmental, economic, and social challenges, building pathways for a cleaner, healthier planet.