The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), a national research and development (R&D) organisation in India, has launched the National Mission on Sustainable Packaging solutions programme.
The initiative is aimed at a net-zero future through domestic, advanced, and integrated innovations using the collective strengths of eight partnering CSIR labs and industry partners.
This mission, led by CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST), was unveiled by Dr N Kalaiselvi, secretary of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research and director general of the CSIR.
Kalaiselvi said: "Though packaging represents the fifth contributor to the Indian economy, it has mostly been neglected with regard to concerted R&D efforts in channelising scientific advancements towards sustainable and comprehensive solutions.
"This is why CSIR has decided to take up this challenge as a priority and deliver tangible outputs in terms of new processes, products and technologies.”
The programme, funded by the CSIR, aims to develop a comprehensive solution for sustainable packaging demands, including the development of materials, innovative recycling and reuse methods, and advanced testing and monitoring facilities.
The plan includes alternatives to multilayer packaging, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), glass bottles, new biobased and biodegradable materials, and an integrated solution for smart packaging in the food industry.
The mission also aims to establish the country’s first biodegradability testing and monitoring centre.
It will address issues related to microplastics, packaging waste utilisation, and a blockchain-based traceability solution for the packaging industry.
In addition, plant-based leather products using domestically produced technologies developed by NIIST were launched during the event, marking a step towards sustainable alternatives in the packaging sector.
CSIR-NIIST director and National Mission on Sustainable Packaging coordinator Dr C Anandharamakrishnan said: "Quite a big team of researchers and industries will be taking the project forward, with the objective of bringing out a few products and technologies for sustainable packaging within the time frame set for that.
“We have set an ambitious delivery plan that includes indigenous and reliable alternatives to multilayer packaging as well as PET and glass bottles that could revolutionise the beverages industry, make available new biobased and biodegradable packaging materials, an integrated solution for smart packaging in food industry.”
