Petronet LNG Awards Major CSR Grant to PU for Eco-Friendly Composite Materials Research

Chandigarh: Dr SSB University Institute of Chemical Engineering and Technology (Dr SSBUICET), Panjab University, Chandigarh, has received the approval of Rs. 42.58 lakh funding for its major CSR-funded research initiative on “Sustainable Agri-waste Polymeric Composites (SAW-POLYCOM)” from Petronet LNG Limited.

The project will be led by Prof Anupama Sharma, Chairperson of Dr SSBUICET and Director of the Energy Research Centre. She will be supported by Project Co-Coordinators Dr Gaurav Rattan, Dr Surinder Singh Bhinder and Dr Nidhi Singhal. The tie-up aims to turn agri-waste into useful composite materials, cut stubble burning and open new income routes for farmers.

The team will develop durable and high-performance composite panels using rice straw, rice husk and phragmites. The materials will be bonded with bio-polyurethane adhesive made from castor oil. These panels are meant to serve as economical and sustainable options for the wood-based panel and MDF market, which is valued at nearly Rs 28,000 crore in India.

India produces around 126.6 million metric tonnes of rice straw and 22.4 million metric tonnes of rice husk every year. Much of this is burnt in the open, causing air pollution and loss of biomass. The project seeks to convert this waste into composite products with improved strength and moisture resistance. It also offers a pathway for income generation for farmers.

Demand for greener and safer materials has risen with rapid urban growth and awareness about the hazards linked to traditional synthetic binders. The proposed composites are designed to last longer, resist environmental wear and cut dependence on wood. This also supports conservation efforts.

The initiative aligns with national priorities and contributes to SDG 9, SDG 11 and SDG 12 through innovation in green materials, better waste use and circular economy practices.

Welcoming the development, PU Vice-Chancellor Prof Renu Vig said, “This grant gives our researchers the scope to turn crop residue into a useful product that farmers can earn from instead of burning. It supports the government’s efforts to curb stubble burning, cut pollution and promote cleaner production. Work done under this project can help create a steady market for agri-waste and offer the industry a reliable, low-cost material. It is a practical step towards easing pressure on landfills, improving rural incomes and giving the country an affordable alternative to wood-based panels.”